Why not use the extra lane for all vehicles?
Extra lanes for general traffic have to be as long and continuous as possible, otherwise traffic merging back from three to two lanes actually causes more congestion and delays. It is not possible to provide an additional third lane for traffic all the way along Penistone Road, as this would involve knocking down a lot of buildings. Widening the road along stretches of Penistone Road for bus lanes is possible and can work efficiently, with traffic control managing how buses merge into general traffic where the bus lanes end. More generally, bus lanes will help relieve congestion by removing buses, motorcyclists, bicycles and taxis from the general stream of traffic. These bus lanes will also reduce bus journey times and improve the reliability and punctuality of bus services. There is then scope for improved bus services, which could provide an incentive for some people to change from car use to public transport, thus reducing the number of vehicles on the road.
