Marine Parade bus lane
As part of our work to speed up bus journey times and to reduce congestion we’re planning to install a new bus lane on Marine Parade in early 2025.
More information
In 2022, the council was awarded £28 million by the Department for Transport for our Bus Service Improvement Plan. The money is being used to improve bus services and provide lower fares across the city.
Some of the funding has been provided to speed up buses. This includes a new bus lane on the westbound side of Marine Parade between the junctions of Lower Rock Gardens and the Sea Life Centre. As this part of the road is very wide, there wouldn’t be any need to reduce the number of traffic lanes.
The bus lane would operate 24 hours a day and could also be used by taxis and cyclists. It would be installed under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO). This means, if necessary, we can make changes for up to 18 months before a decision is made on whether or not to make the bus lane permanent.
For frequently asked questions and a link to a more detailed plan please see Phase 1 Information below.
Stay updated
To stay up-to-date with this project and the progress made, you can ‘follow’ the project at the top of the page and receive updates directly to your inbox.
Phases
Information
Questions and Answers
Why is a bus lane needed?
Marine Parade is a major bus route with over 250 buses in each direction per day. Traffic flow on Marine Parade varies throughout the day and year. Congestion at busy times can be unpredictable which makes bus journey times unreliable, sometimes causing buses to terminate routes early or start late. A bus lane will help more buses run to timetable.
Why is the bus lane westbound only?
The bus lane is westbound as this is where buses experience most delays.
How does the bus lane link to the Valley Gardens project?
The bus lane has been designed to fit alongside both the Valley Gardens Phase 3 scheme and the existing road layout. Introducing the bus lane now will have the added benefit of helping to minimise the impact of construction related delays on buses.
When would the bus lane be built?
We expect the bus lane would be installed by early 2025.
Why is a two-way cycle lane not included?
Providing a cycle lane will require major engineering work to provide the space needed. We do not currently have funding for this; however, the bus lane has been designed so that it is future proof and a two-way cycle lane could be added if funding becomes available. Marine Parade remains in the council’s Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan which sets out the long-term plan for developing the cycle network.
What is a TRO or ETRO?
A Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) is required for any changes to traffic or parking restrictions on the public highway. Without this, restrictions would not be enforceable. An Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) varies from a standard TRO in that the new restriction is first introduced as a trial rather than permanent change. The statutory public consultation period for the ETRO will run for the first six months, with feedback taken into account when considering the future of the bus lane.
What will happen after the ETRO period?
Based on feedback and bus data, the council will take a decision on its future, including whether or not to make the bus lane permanent. This decision will be made by the end of the 18 month trial period.
Are disabled parking bays being removed?
No designated disabled parking bays are being removed as part of the bus lane installation.