Motorcyclists could be allowed to use all bus lanes across a large part of central London under plans being considered by Westminster City Council to ease chronic congestion.
From next Tuesday - March 6 - WCC will begin a three week consultation allowing all those involved to comment.
The move follows a scheme launched three years ago under which motocrcyclists could use Red Routes and some bus lanes.
Transport for London (TfL) statistics show where the scheme is in operation there is a 20 per cent improvement in traffic flow for motorbikes while bus travel is not affected.
Westminster City Council will launch a pilot scheme on selected busy routes including Strand, Buckingham Palace Road, Regent Street, Shaftesbury Avenue, Whitehall and Parliament Street.
If successful, Westminster City Council will make the change permanent across the City. Councillor Lee Rowley, cabinet member for transport and parking, said: "With the use of scooters rising by over 11 per cent in 2011, it is important that the council takes action to help two-wheeled road users get around the capital safely."
Dr Leon Mannings, transport policy adviser for the Motorcycle Action Group, welcomed the move. "This proposal is a triumph for evidence-led policy development and will be a great step forward in ending confusion over which bus lanes can be used by all congestion busting single-track vehicles.
