There are plenty of opinions regarding the types of vehicle permitted to use bus lanes. Most operators (including TfL) will tell you that only their vehicles should be in them, but this is not correct. There is no special dispensation or prohibition for historic buses – they are treated just like any other bus.
The situation is that any bus (including minibuses) may use bus lanes in the UK. There are however some specific conditions:
- A bus is defined as a vehicle with nine seats or more including the driver. It does not have to be in any specific taxation class.
- Only service buses may use bus lanes if they are specifically signed “Local Buses Only” or have the word “Local” superimposed on the symbol for a bus on a bus lane sign.
- Only service buses may use bus lanes with bus gates or rising bollards.
- Specific confirmation was sought from the Police Traffic Division by Imperial College London regarding the special bus lane on the M4 motorway, and it was confirmed that all buses may use this.
Useful information
- DVLA – whilst a very useful general source, but their published information on Bus Lanes is aimed mainly at the motor car.
- Imperial College Union Transport – PDF file on Driving in Bus Lanes – no longer available on their site, link is to archived copy dated 2006.
Nothing here should be taken as legal advice! Links are provided to appropriate documentation where possible.