“Luton’s Labour Council have no idea how to manage Bus Lanes” says Liberal Democrat Councillor Sid Rutstein.

They have previously illogically supported the idea of keeping Bus Lanes exclusive at times when there are very few or no buses running.

Their position has now changed, for the second time in a year, and is now closer to the position that the previous Liberal Democrat administration adopted over a year ago.

What Labour have now proposed is the following:-

• One bus lane to be removed completely (Alma Link – in spit of strong opposition from Centrebus)

• Five bus lanes to remain “at all times” (Park Street, Library Road, Inkerman Street, New Bedford Road – Town Centre and Dunstable Road at Kingsway)

• Five bus lanes to change from “at all times” to 7.00 am to 7.00 pm (Stuart Street, Flowers Way, Park Street West, Church Street, Vicarage Street)

• Five bus lanes to remain 7.00 am to 7.00 pm ( Dunstable Road – Stoneygate Road – Humberstone Road, Dunstable Road – Humberstone Road to Oakley Road, Dunstable Road – Bury Park, Silver Street, John Street)

However, this is not the end of the story as Labour are planning yet another reconsideration in due course. This can only help to confuse and mislead the motoring public.

The policy of the previous Liberal Democrat administration, decided by the Executive on 13th November 2006, was to make all but three of the bus lanes operational from 7.00 am to 7.00 pm which is when the majority of buses are operating and to allow other motorists, including private hire operators, to use them at other times.