Category: Uncategorised

Works on Park Lane northbound: 19 May to 18 Sep 2025

We now have updated dates for the Park Lane works, in addition to bus NOEs (attached), from Monday 19 May until Thursday 18 September. All dates continue to be subject to change.

These works are to make permanent the infrastructure that was put in place for the Park Lane cycle lane. The works will be undertaken in six phases working south to north in localised worksites along the northbound carriageway using lane restrictions. Where the bus lane is closed it is only in the immediate vicinity of the worksite. Planned events, such as concerts, have been taken into account during the works planning.

Phase 1A & 1 B: Bus stop Y and Tour stop X – Achillies Way

  • 1A: NOE CE25-66834 – 19 May to 19 June 2025
  • 1B: NOE CE25-66395 – 20 June to 30 June 2025
  • Bus stop and tour stop will be partly closed in each phase. Due to capacity constraints tour buses should not serve either stop but can use stop T further north as an alternative.
  • Bus lane closed past this location

Phase 2: Coach parking bays (x4) prior to Stanhope Gate

Works TBC

  • 19 May to 29 May 2025 2 June to 12 June 2025
  • Coach parking bays closed
  • Bus lane open

Phase 5 & 6: Speaker’s Corner stops W (Bus), 14 (Coach) & Z (Tour)

  • 5: NOE CE25-66400 – 19 August to 3 September 2025
  • 6: NOE CE25-66402 – 3 September to 18 September 2025
  • Stops are closed in two phases of works (approximate dates as above) with half the stop space remaining open
    • Scheduled coaches: Should not serve these stops between 08:00 to 20:00 daily– alternative stops depending on line of route: Bayswater Road stop A or Portman Street stop M.
    • Tour buses: Can continue to serve the open stops in each phase but must keep dwell times to an absolute minimum
  • Bus lane closed past this location, two traffic lanes remain open

After the works detailed above some overnight closures are likely to be required for other works, but these are TBC.

 

Belvedere Road works – May/June 2025

Please see below for upcoming closure of Belvedere Road:

  • Monday 19 May: 20:00 to 05:00 –  Lighting works
  • Monday 2 June: 08:00 to 05:00 (3 June) – resurfacing
    • Tour buses: Use stop 17 on York Road northbound, it will not be possible to provide a stand.
    • Coaches: Use stops on York Road southbound – boarding and alighting only, no parking or waiting permitted.
  • Tuesday 3 June: 20:00 to 05:00 – resurfacing
  • Nights of 9, 10 & 11 June: 20:00 to 05:00

Speedometer check and Automated Driving Systems changes – from the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency

Updates to speedometer check changes and Automated Driving Systems

Speedometers

DVSA is changing how speedometers are assessed on IVA tests for cars (M1) and vans (N1).

IVA applicants for these vehicles will be asked to declare that speedometers have been installed or converted to read in miles per hour (mph) from kilometres per hour (kph). This is to ensure they comply with section 17 of the IVA inspection manual.

Applicants can self-declare that their vehicles comply with these standards using the updated IVA application form. Evidence may be required when the test is taken.

This will apply to tests from today (Wednesday 14 May 2025). If you have already completed an application form or your application is being processed on this date, speedometer checks will still apply.

This change does not apply to:

  • lorries (N2/3)
  • busses (M2/3)
  • vehicles fitted with speedometers capable of reading in mph or mph & kph (dual marked) from new
  • vehicles fitted with a driver function which allows switching to mph

Automated Driving Systems

DVSA has added additional questions to the IVA application forms to ask about automated or self-driving features fitted to vehicles.

You will need to tell us if the vehicle retains conventional driving controls and features or is fitted with drive by wire systems.

Further information on what features are included can be obtained from the Agency.

USE OF BUS STOPS

We have received the following from TfL

Hi All,

I have had a number of comments fairly recently from multiple stakeholders about coaches parking/waiting on bus stops and blocking bus services. Most recently outside the Park Lane Hilton (presumably before/after an event).

Please can you remind members the broad rules on stops:

Yellow routes

  • Set down and pick up are permitted on double and single yellow lines – however, activity must be taking place. Some London boroughs allow an observation time – however, this does not apply when loading restrictions are in force
  • Check signs before using bus stops to pick up and set down as most are restricted to ‘local’ or ‘LT/TfL’ buses. Parking and waiting is not permitted at any time

Red routes

  • Double red lines: no stopping at any time
  • Single red lines: no stopping during restricted hours
  • Vehicles registered as a bus can use red route bus stops, but must not park or wait, and activity must be taking place
  • Some Red Route bus stops in busy areas now restricted to ‘local’ buses.

Robert Hall | Coach Network Advisor

Victoria Coach Station | Transport for London

 

School Groups Travelling Through The Port of Dover

The Port of Dover is launching a new pilot to simplify and speed up border checks for school groups travelling from the UK to France – and it starts 3 April 2025. Under the scheme, school groups that submit passenger information to their ferry operator at least 72 hours in advance could benefit from faster processing at the French border in Dover. To qualify, schools will need to provide proof of status – such as a screenshot from their national school database registration.  We encourage members to engage and share their experiences as this rolls out.

Click here to read more: Port Of Dover Launches UK-France School Trips Border Processing Pilot To Streamline Travel