Written question asked by Lord Redwood (Conservative) on Friday, 2 February 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 7 February 2001. It was answered by Keith Hill (Labour) on Wednesday, 7 February 2001 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what the overall change in journey times is in person minutes per week as a result of the installation of the M4 bus lane according to the TRL survey. - Including figures.

Answer: Mr. Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the overall change in journey times is in person minutes per week as a result of the installation of the M4 bus lane according to the TRL survey. [149335] Mr. Hill: The M4 bus lane was designed to reduce traffic congestion on the M4 bus especially during rush hour and to make journeys more reliable. The latest information on the experiment shows it is achieving both objectives. TRL have found that, following the introduction of the M4 bus lane, journey times have reduced by 252,000 person minutes per week during weekday peak periods. This reflects the increased reliability of journey times. These benefits for users are offset by an increase in journey times of a similar amount during weekday off-peak periods, and increased journey times during Saturdays and Sundays averaging 75,000 person minutes a week. These changes in journey times are mainly due to the speed limits introduced at the same time as the bus lane, which have already led to road safety benefits. For instance, there has been a reduction in personal injury accidents on the eastbound M4 between Heathrow and the elevated section since the introduction of a 50mph speed limit.

Secondary information