Bikers to be allowed in bus lanes

Motorcyclists in Plymouth are to be allowed to use the city's bus lanes in an experiment to cut the number of accidents involving motorbikes.

Plymouth City Council has approved an experimental traffic order to allow motorcyclists to use the lanes to see if it will help improve their safety.

The proposal follows in the footsteps of Bristol, Swindon and London.

The idea was put forward in the city's Road Safety Strategy and is expected to come into effect in summer.

The numbers of all fatal and serious injury accidents in the city has fallen by half since the early 1990s but the reduction of motorcyclist accidents has not fallen by the same rate.

Devon and Cornwall Police support the proposals and consultation with bus companies, cycle forums, taxi representatives, motorcycle groups and other appropriate bodies has now begun.