Newcastle to open un bus lanes to HGVs
Page 15
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• by Karen Miles Hauliers should be able to move around Newcastle-upon-Tyne more easily from the autumn when the city council allows trucks to use special bus routes.
The move, which is being hailed as the first time a council has acted to recognise the importance of urban freight movements, will sea two existing priority roads and 14 bus lanes allow trucks for the first time. So will a number of noentry roads which currently allow buses only. The no-car lanes will operate between 07:00 and 19:00hrs and will be restricted to the use of buses. trucks, taxis and cycles.
The Freight Transport Association has welcomed the move, arguing it is a "bold decision" which reflects the unitary authority's proposal to give priority to essential vehicles.
Don McIntyre. head of high
ways at the FTA, says: "While many are now recognising the importance of freight movement and delivery in their towns and cities, Newcastle is the first authority to move from lip-service to real action on a substantial scale."
Some no-car lanes are operated in Exeter and in the London boroughs of Wandsworth and Haringey. More are planned for Maidstone and at Acton, London on the A40.