No-Car Lane

A No-Car Lane is a type of traffic lane which is not to be used by cars. Some of these operate between 7am and 7pm and others are in operation 24 hours a day. They are currently used in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Sunderland and South Tyneside council areas. The vast majority (around 75%) are located in Newcastle.

Effectiveness

Studies have shown that No-Car lanes have performed as the best type of priority lane in both Tyneside and Wearside, compared to Bus Lanes and that they are the best type of priority lane for all modes of transport in that area. They also have a better environmental performance. The study did not however carry out significant comparison against having no form of priority lane.

History

The signs for no-car lanes were authorised by the DfT in 2001. It therefore seems likely the first no-car lanes were introduced around this date. Most no-car lanes were seemingly converted from bus lanes.

During 2015 many of the No-Car lanes were replaced with bus lanes, with permission for lorries and authorised vehicles to also use them.

Signposting

No- Car lanes are signed primarily with a circular prohibition sign with the words 'No Cars' inside. At the start of a lane, a sign similar to that for a bus lane is used, only with the 'No Cars' symbol replacing the bus symbol. Road markings are also used to indicate the lanes.

Links

• Authorisation of Signs
• Comparison of No-Car lanes and Bus Lanes