Drivers of fully electric and some hybrid vehicles are permitted to use a bus lane on Daleside Road in Nottingham, the city council’s transport team has clarified.
The lane, near Colwick Country Park, is primarily intended for buses and cyclists but can also be used by qualifying ultra-low-emission vehicles, known as ULEVs.
Transport Nottingham, part of Nottingham City Council, has explained how drivers can determine whether their vehicle is eligible amid a warning that those using the lane in a non-compliant vehicle could receive a Penalty Charge Notice.
Under the definition used for the scheme, a ULEV must emit less than 75g of carbon dioxide per kilometre and be capable of travelling at least 10 miles without producing any CO2 emissions.
The criteria are based on HM Treasury’s company car tax definition.
All fully electric vehicles qualify, while vehicles powered solely by petrol or diesel do not.
Some hybrid vehicles are eligible, but not all. Hybrid owners are advised to contact their vehicle manufacturer to confirm whether their model can travel the required minimum distance with zero emissions.
The council has also warned that some diesel vehicles, particularly imports and conversions, may appear on the DVLA emissions checker as producing 0g of CO2 because the relevant information is not held.
This does not mean those vehicles qualify as ultra-low-emission models. The authority said it considers DVLA records alongside other information before issuing a penalty notice.
The Daleside Road scheme is described by the council as the first bus lane of its kind in the UK. There are currently no plans to introduce the arrangement on other bus lanes in Nottingham while its operation is being assessed.
The road was widened to accommodate the additional lane as part of improvements completed in March 2018.
According to the council, allowing qualifying vehicles to use it removes some traffic from the main carriageway while improving facilities for buses and cyclists and helping to reduce congestion.
Daleside Road forms part of the A612, a major route into Nottingham that carries large volumes of commuter traffic and serves areas of housing and employment growth.
Biogas and electric buses already operate along the route. The council said allowing ULEV drivers to share the lane recognises their contribution to reducing harmful emissions and supporting cleaner transport.
Any driver who enters the lane in a vehicle that does not meet the stated criteria risks being issued with a Penalty Charge Notice.
