Changes to the experimental bus and cycle lanes along the A4 Bath Road come into effect from Friday 4 December.
The lane restrictions will now be between 7am and 10am and again in the afternoon between 3pm and 7pm, Monday to Friday.
This replaces the 24 hours restrictions implemented in July between Cippenham Lane and Sussex Place as part of the government’s scheme to encourage people to travel actively and sustainably whilst supporting social distancing measures for pedestrians and cyclists.
The peak time only restrictions will allow buses to operate reliably and quickly along the borough’s arterial route and create a safer space for cyclists.
The changes will also build on the improvement in air quality but allow car drivers to access the lanes outside of peak times.
During the restricted period the bus and cycle lane can be shared with motorcyclists, taxis, Slough licensed private hire vehicles and Neuron Mobility rental scooters.
As the scheme progresses it is envisaged zero emission vehicles displaying approved ‘green’ number plates will also be allowed to use the bus and cycle lanes, once the government has released the scheme.
Cllr Rob Anderson, cabinet member for sustainable transport and environmental services, said: “We have reviewed the data we have gathered over the five months of the experiment so far and taken into consideration feedback which has come in from residents.
“We can now move into the next phase of the experimental scheme and trial the new lanes in a similar mode to the existing bus lanes in the town.”
“We want to build on the benefits of better air quality, more reliable bus journeys and a safer space for cyclists and e-scooter rental riders.”
The changes were passed by the cabinet earlier this month.
The experimental bus and cycle lanes implementation was funded by the government’s Emergency Active Travel Fund and introduced under experimental traffic regulation orders which can run for up to 18 months.
Views on the changes are welcomed for six months until Friday 4 June 2021 and will only be taken into account if they are received after the scheme commences.
Feedback from both consultations will be taken into account when the decision is taken as to the final scheme.
More information on the scheme can be seen on the consultation hub page at slough.citizenspace.com and the technical information is available online under public notices here https://www.slough.gov.uk/consultations-petitions/temporary-a4-bus-lane-scheme.
Email TransportPlanning@slough.gov.uk for paper copies.