M4 bus lane to be scrapped
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.An unpopular bus lane on a busy motorway, introduced by John Prescott in 1999, is to be scrapped.
The Transport Secretary, Philip Hammond, will announce on Monday that the 3.5-mile-long lane on a London-bound section of the M4 will be suspended from 24 December until the Olympics start in July 2012.
Mr Hammond will say that, after the Olympics, he plans to scrap the lane permanently.
There was much criticism of the lane when it was introduced and it was known as the "Blair lane" after the former prime minister used it to avoid heavy traffic.
In his speech to the Conservative Party conference, Mr Hammond will say: "Nothing is more symbolic of Labour's war on the motorist than the M4 bus lane. It was John Prescott's idea and I think that says it all.
"I can announce today that from the end of December until the Olympics the M4 bus lane will be suspended. And once the Olympics are over, my intention is to scrap it permanently."
The lane will however be back in use for the Olympics.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments