Trucks make way for London buses
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by David Craik • Hauliers in London could soon be facing tougher restrictions as more emphasis is put on keeping buses moving freely.
At a conference discussing London's future transport strategy, calls were made for the development of more bus lanes and stricter enforcement of parking bans in bus lanes, backed up by heavier fines.
Dive Hodson, managing director of London Transport Buses, launched an attack on London van drivers in his call for greater enforcement. "These drivers in their white Transit vans who park illegally on bus lanes must be suffering from dyslexia," he said. "They clearly think the lanes are saying to them 'park here',"
Peter Hendry, divisional director of London and South East First Bus, believes the recent two-week campaign to fine trucks up to £60 for illegally parking in bus lanes (CM 31 July-6 August) should be made permanent. He also wants to see extra Government money spent on building more bus lanes.
Transport Minister Glenda Jackson also supported such expansion: "Priority must be given to improve bus services and to develop more bus lanes," she said. "We also require more camera enforcement to prevent illegal parking."
EJ Steven Norris, directorgeneral of the Road Haulage Association, believes the first task of a London Mayor would be to introduce road pricing on London's streets for cars. But he rejects hi-tech systems such as smart cards. "A low-tech solution such as car drivers having to buy and display a blue disc would be adequate," he says.