End Of The Road For 'Blair Bus Lane' On M4
A controversial bus lane on a busy motorway heading into London, which critics say is rarely used and poorly enforced, is to be scrapped. Skip related content
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The 3.5 mile-long lane on a section of the M4, introduced in 1999 by ex-Transport Secretary John Prescott, will be suspended from December 24 until the London 2012 Olympics.
It will be used for the Games as it is part of the Olympic Route Network to help get people quickly to and from events.Current Transport Secretary Philip Hammond will confirm the planned suspension of the lane on Monday and will also say he plans to scrap the lane permanently after the Games.
The lane was heavily criticised when it was introduced, and it was known as the "Blair lane" after the former prime minister used it to avoid heavy traffic.
In his speech to the Conservative Party conference, Mr Hammond will say: "Nothing is more symbolic of Labour's war on the motorist than the M4 bus lane.
"It was John Prescott's idea and I think that says it all."
Mr Hammond will also say: "I can announce today that from the end of December until the Olympics the M4 bus lane will be suspended.
"And once the Olympics are over, my intention is to scrap it permanently."
Motoring groups welcomed the news but environmentalists criticised the decision.
RAC Foundation director Professor Stephen Glaister said: "Most drivers on the M4 will wonder why this decision has taken so long. Road capacity is in short supply and to have an underused lane like this has made little sense.
"While other motorways have been widened to allow for the growth in traffic, on this stretch of the M4 capacity was actually being reduced."
But Friends of the Earth London campaigner Jenny Bates said: "Doing away with the bus lane will increase road space and encourage more traffic on to the M4.
"This will threaten to raise emissions and air pollution when London is not on track to meet its target for tackling climate change nor for bringing air pollution within legal EU limits."
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