Liverpool launches new bus lane on major route

A new bus lane heading into Liverpool City Centre has been launched as part of a drive to improve public transport and reduce congestion.

Liverpool City Council has green lit the bus lane as of:- Monday, 20 January 2025, following a public consultation last year.

The bus lane will operate between:- Irvine Street and Mount Vernon Road and will be enforced by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.

Operating at all times for 5 days a week (24hrs Mondays to Fridays), it is subject to review under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order for a maximum of 18 months. The initial 6 months are a period of consultation and monitoring.

During the initial 6 months a:- 'Warning Notice' period for 1st time offenders will be in effect. A repeat offender during this period will be penalised.

This measure is expected to reduce bus journey times as well as make buses more reliable for passengers.

It is hoped that the improvement to passenger experience will encourage a shift from private cars to public transport. Any reduction in private car use will help improve air quality as traffic congestion and emissions will be minimised.

The new bus lane will also create a safer environment for cyclists and pedestrians.

The bus lane will be introduced under an Experimental Traffic Order, allowing for a review and potential amendment of the scheme based on public feedback over the next 18 months.

Councillor Daniel Barrington, Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity, said:- "This bus lane is a key step in our plans to make public transport more efficient and sustainable. The promotion of our public transport services has a key part to play in making Liverpool a leader on the path to net zero and a more sustainable future for all. We encourage everyone to give their feedback on the scheme so we can continue to improve our city's transport network."

Northern warns sly vapers to:- 'give it up or get off the train' after receiving dozens of complaints
Photo by:- PB Photography.

NORTHERN is warning sly vapers they may be told to leave the train if they are caught. The train operator has received dozens of complaints over the last year from customers who are fed up of inconsiderate individuals vaping in busy carriages and on station platforms.

77 passengers have raised concerns about vaping in post journey surveys since April 2024 and 29 have submitted written complaints. Another 59 have made complaints to Northern on social media.

Vaping has not been permitted on board Northern services or at any of its stations since a ban was introduced in 2014. But members of Northern's traincrew say they catch people ignoring this rule on a daily basis and some become rude and aggressive when they are asked to stop.

They have also seen people make poor attempts at hiding their vaping by doing it in the toilets or blowing the vapour into footwells and carriage vestibules.

Vaping irritates passengers and can set off smoke alarms, forcing the traincrew to temporarily halt the service and delay everyone on board while safety checks are carried out.

Matt Rice, Northern's chief operating Officer, said:- "We want to be clear that vaping is not permitted on our trains or at any of our stations. We are encouraging people who travel on our services to be considerate of others so everyone can enjoy a pleasant journey. Those who are caught vaping may be asked to leave the train by a member of staff and we will not tolerate any abusive or aggressive reactions."

It is also against the law to smoke on Northern trains and in its stations. Those who are caught can be prosecuted and fined.

People who witness any illegal activity are encouraged to report it to British Transport Police by texting:- 61016 or by calling:- 0800 40 50 40.

Northern is the 2nd largest train operator in the UK, with 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.