Guidance

Urban buses on motorways

Published 1 May 2010

© Crown copyright 2010

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/urban-buses-on-motorways/urban-buses-on-motorways

General requirements

Buses that have been approved or certified to carry standing passengers in accordance with national or European construction rules are not restricted on which roads they can use.

Additionally, the Motorway Traffic (England and Wales) Regulations 1982(SI 1982 No. 1163) and The Motorways Traffic (Scotland) Regulations 1995 (SI 1995 No.2507) (S.183) permit buses to use motorways but they are not allowed to stop and pick up passengers on such roads.

Since 1 October 2001, seat belts have been required to be installed in all new buses other than those specifically designed for urban use with standing passengers. An exemption is permitted for these vehicles because they are typically used for short journeys, in both time and distance, undertaken at moderate speeds on urban routes. Although we are aware that vehicles equipped with seat belts are used by some operators for urban fare paying services, ultimately, it is for the operator to choose the type of vehicle used to provide a service.

Consolidated versions of national regulations can be found in Sweet and Maxwell’s ‘Encyclopaedia of road traffic law and practice (construction and use)’ which should be available at most main reference libraries.

Copies of national regulations can also be purchased from:

TSO Orders/Post Cash Department
PO Box 29
Norwich
NR3 1GN

Telephone: 0870 600 5522
Fax: 0870 600 5533
Email: customer.services@tso.co.uk
Website: www.tso.co.uk

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