Bus lanes, and other drivers assuming you'll use them.

[Accelebrate]

I regularly use one of the main routes in and out of my local city (because I also live near to it). Heading out of the city there is a dedicated bus lane with a solid white line between it and the 'normal' lane. Travelling into the city the buses share the same lane as regular traffic, so drivers regularly have to either queue behind or overtake buses when they pull in at one of the many bus stops.

I've had a few instances recently where I've been travelling away from town with an empty bus lane on my nearside and drivers held up behind a stationary bus travelling in the opposite direction have decided that I'll move into the bus lane if they pull out in front of me.

There's a 20mph limit so this isn't usually as dramatic as it sounds, but I'm always in two minds as to what to do when this occurs:

Option 1 - Stay in lane, reduce speed, brake etc. Leave the impatient sort to finish their manoeuver. This sometimes also leads to people behind you diving into the bus lane and undertaking you.

Option 1.5 - If you're already/almost level with the bus, brake and maybe sound horn. Usually results in a stand off, cross words from the other driver for not moving out of their way, generally agrovating for all involved.

Option 2 - Do what the majority of the population do and move into the bus lane, nobody gets angry, but presumably illegal due to the solid line and the fact that it's a bus lane, also potentially unsafe due to the minimal time for observation.


What would you do? So far I've always chosen option 1/1.5, but I feel like I'm in a minority.

Edited by Accelebrate on Tuesday 23 November 17:04

[blank]

Is it legal to go into the bus lane to avoid an accident?

[waremark]

I fear bus lane cameras.

I would not go into the bus lane in its hours of operation. Often I find it difficult to read all the signs about hours of operation, and even more difficult to be sure I have not missed one, so I err on the side of keeping out of the bus lane.

I would not even go into the bus lane to let an emergency vehicle past - though hopefully the bus lane would be clear enough for the emergency vehicle to use.

[vonhosen]

blank said:

Is it legal to go into the bus lane to avoid an accident?

Depends what exemptions are written into the traffic order, but that is a usual one.

[7db]

vonhosen said:

blank said:

Is it legal to go into the bus lane to avoid an accident?

Depends what exemptions are written into the traffic order, but that is a usual one.

Tricky to check whilst driving, usually.

I'm afraid I agree with waremark on this one, although I'd dip in for an ESV (passing or oncoming) if it chose the offside route. I know that they prefer to pass offside on busy roads, but if there's an empty bus lane, are they trained to use those?

Otherwise it's a case of handling the conflict as you would any other conflicting oncoming overtake -- seek cooperation and then seek refuge if none is offered.