Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of Section 6.2.2. of the British Standard BS 8300-1:2018 entitled Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment, published on 31 January 2018 on the guidance entitled LTN 1/20 Cycle Infrastructure Design, published on 27 July 2020.

Section 6.2.2. of British Standard 8300-1:2018 gives advice on designing bus stops in relation to cycle facilities, including what are sometimes called ‘floating bus stops’. It has the status of good practice guidance as there is no requirement in legislation to comply with it. Section 6.2.2 would in practice prevent local authorities from implementing any kind of floating bus stop.

The Government does not believe that a complete ban on floating bus stops is appropriate, given the need to improve safety for cyclists and to enable more people to cycle.

The Government is fully aware of the concerns raised – particularly from visually impaired people and organisations on their behalf – about floating bus stops. The Bus Services (No. 2) Bill includes a requirement for the Secretary of State to produce statutory guidance for local authorities in England on the provision and design of floating bus stops. Alongside this, the Government has committed to asking local authorities to pause certain types of shared-use design in which the cycle route runs between the kerb and the shelter, requiring people to board or alight straight into a cycle track. More information will be provided to local authorities at Royal Assent of the Bill.