THE COUNCIL has launched a statutory consultation on proposed changes to bus lanes on Kings Road
Residents are invited to share their views on plans to revise rules surrounding which vehicles can use designated bus lanes in Newtown.
While motorbikes, cyclists, Hackney carriages–even those licensed outside of Reading–are currently permitted to use the lanes, private hire vehicles are prohibited.
New rules would see only hackney carriages licensed in Reading permitted to use the lanes as well as private hire vehicles.
It follows an informal consultation held in November last year and a discussion of the results at a Traffic Management Sub-Committee on January 11.
At the meeting, councillors approved the next consultation, which is now set to close on Wednesday, February 21.
Cllr John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, said:
“The current arrangements for the outbound bus lane on King’s Road means Reading-licensed private hire vehicles are excluded while out-of-town hackney carriages have access.
“Meanwhile, the inbound King’s Road bus lane has been used by Reading council licensed private hire vehicles for 11 years without major issues.
“It makes sense to me for the rules to be made consistent on this stretch of road and for priority to be given to those private hire vehicles licensed here in Reading.
“Residents can give their views during the three-week statutory consultation which is running now.”
Residents can take part in the consultation via: consult.reading.gov.uk
Consultation closes on Wednesday, January 21.
