Nottingham City Council is reviewing bus lane operating times across the city in an effort to make restrictions more consistent and easier for drivers to understand.
Operating hours currently vary between locations, meaning motorists can use some bus lanes at certain times but not others. The council wants to simplify the network by introducing three standard operating periods where road conditions allow.
Under the proposals, bus lanes would operate during one of the following periods:
- Peak times, on routes that are primarily congested during the morning and evening rush hours and where all-day restrictions are not considered necessary.
- Extended daytime hours, in areas where buses operate frequently throughout the day or congestion continues beyond the main peak periods.
- Twenty-four hours a day, covering locations including major routes into and out of the city, corridors used by late-night or early-morning services and places where vehicles using bus lanes outside peak times cause delays.
Twenty-four-hour restrictions could also be introduced where neighbouring or connected routes have the same operating hours, avoiding inconsistent arrangements for motorists.
The council said aligning operating times along the same routes would make restrictions clearer, support smoother traffic flow and help buses maintain reliable journey times.
Early changes are proposed for several key corridors identified on a council map, with a formal consultation expected to take place in late 2026.
As part of the work, the council will also consider introducing additional bus stop cages in local areas. These are intended to improve accessibility and ensure passengers can board and leave buses safely.
Councillor Patience Ifediora, Nottingham City Council’s Executive Member for Regional Development, Growth and Transport, said: “Our aim is for the road network to be as clear and effective as possible for everyone who uses it. By reviewing bus lane operating times and moving towards greater consistency, we can make restrictions easier to understand whilst continuing to support public transport and the efficient movement of traffic across the city.”
East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward said: “People rely on transport networks that are easy to understand, reliable and responsive to what is happening on the ground.
“This investment will help modernise Nottingham’s transport network, making journeys into and around the city clearer and easier for drivers, while supporting wider efforts to reduce congestion and keep the East Midlands moving.
“By backing practical improvements like this, we are helping to build a transport system that is fit for the future and better connected for the people, businesses and communities it serves.”
People can submit early feedback by emailing traffic.management@nottinghamcity.gov.uk and quoting the reference TMBUSLANEREV.
