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Bikes In Bus Lanes
Campaign Update
MAG would like to thank all those who responded to the Activist Email Army request to contact their MP through the Political Wizard on the introduction of a bill to allow access for motorcycles in Bus Lanes across the UK.
The Ten Minute Rule Bill was introduced to the House of Commons by Mr Bill Wiggin (Conservative, Leominster) on Wednesday 22nd October:
The bill was supported unopposed by Mr. Don Foster, Angela Watkinson, Mr. Mark Todd, Mr. Stephen Pound, Peter Bottomley, Dr. Brian Iddon, Mr. Robert Key, Mr. Adrian Flook, Mr. Bill Tynan, Mrs. Jackie Lawrence and Mr. Roger Gale.
The bill was to receive a second reading in the House of Commons on Friday 21st November 2003.
Unfortunately this did not take place because of parliamentary time constraints on the ending of the Parliamentary session.
When a parliamentary session comes to an end, the House is prorogued until the next session begins.
Following prorogation all outstanding business falls. Any uncompleted Bills have to be re-introduced afresh in the next session.
Although the bill didn't receive it's second reading it helped highlight the issue to Parliament, MP's, Councils and the general press.
ACTION
MAG now needs you to turn up the heat on the issue by asking your MP for support.
The bill will now receive a second reading in the House of Commons on Friday 21st November 2003.
Full Details of the introduction of the bill Here
Action Here
What is a Ten Minute Rule Bill
Bills introduced under the ten-minute rule are one of the ways in which back bench MPs (private Members) can introduce legislation.
The process is used more as a means of making a point on the need to change the law on a particular subject. Motions under this rule may also provide the opportunity for MPs to test Parliament's opinion on a particular subject upon which they may wish to legislate at a later date.
The ten minute rule allows a brief introductory speech and one opposing the motion to be made in the House after Question Time on Tuesdays and Wednesdays when the House is likely to be full.
Background Information
Currently Central Government has delegated decisions on bus lane access to local authorities however the fact that an MP is
suggesting a national policy is no bad thing as it strengthens the probability of Central Government giving a clearer lead to local Government on this issue.
A national policy would negate the situation where neighbouring local authorities operate different policies where a rider is
allowed to use a bus lane in one authority area but has to leave when the authority boundary is crossed.
Access to Bus Lanes would allow the Government to carry out their commitment to reduce congestion, improve safety and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
The bill supports MAG's position on allowing PTW's in bus lanes by arguing that :
1 Bus lane use will help improve safety by moving smaller commuter PTW's such as scooters out of the main traffic flow.
2 Encouraging a module shift from increased car use as part of an integrated solution to the problems of traffic congestion.
3 Allowing PTW's to play an essential role as the most practical means of personal transportation for those who cannot afford a car thus alleviating social exclusion for the young person and those on low income.
4 Liberating road space for essential traffic and reducing damage to the roads infrastructure by virtue of the elementary design and weight advantages of PTW's compared to other transport modes.
Notes:
Bus Lane use by PTWs is already allowed and successful in European cities such as Barcelona, Rome and Stockholm.
In the UK, PTW access to bus lanes was introduced in Bristol in 1995 and has operated permanently since 1996. Reading's PTW access scheme was made permanent in 1999.
Forward thinking authorities have permitted PTW access Bath, Birmingham, Colchester, Hull, Swindon and the M4 bus lane.
Bus lane access is being trialled in London on the A41 Finchley Road between Queens Grove North and Platts Lane during normal bus lane operating hours (7-10am and 4-7pm). Two more pilots are planned to follow on the A23 Brixton Road and A13 East India Dock Road.
THE ACTION (by Friday 21st November 2003)
You can email your MP direct from the MAG’s Political Wizard. Simply go to the campaigns section type in your post code and the wizard will find your MP’s details, fill in your details and press the send button.
You can write to your MP using the suggested letter below.
Or formulate your own from the information above.
All MPs details are available via the web at www.locata.co.uk/commons
Suggested Letter
Dear [ Your MP ]
I am a member of your constituency.
I may have contacted you previously on the introduction of a bill under the Ten Minute Rule by Mr Bill Wiggin MP concerning the use of Bus Lanes by Powered Two Wheelers (PTW's) Motorcycles and Scooters.
The bill was successfully introduced on Wednesday 22nd October and will now receive a second reading on Friday 21st November 2003.
I am writing to ask if you would be prepared to support the second reading of the bill and offer my sincere thanks for your support so far.
The three main points introduced and argued successfully in the bill were:
1 Motorcycle admittance to bus lanes would improve motorcycle safety, which equals accident reduction.
2 Giving people the incentive to filter past the traffic gridlock without the risks they currently face will encourage more to switch from their car, which will alleviate traffic congestion.
3 Encouraging people to use a motorcycle benefits the environment, potentially helping the UK to achieve its ambitious commitment of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 20 per cent. by 2010.
I agree with Bill Wiggin when he says that access to Bus Lanes would, “mean fewer people in cars, the alleviation of traffic gridlock, more lives saved through traffic isolation, a reduction in environmental damage and a fulfillment of people's rights. It is a fair deal for motorcyclists.”
I hope you will support the bill and welcome your comments on this issue.
If there is any further information you require please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours Sincerely
[Your Name]
*Please let us know if your MP responds.
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