Over 10,000 support new bus lane petition in first week

Over 10,000 people have supported MAG’s new bus lane petition in its first week. The Government will produce a written response soon, but MAG warns that it is likely to be dismissive.

MAG launched the petition on Monday 3^rd March, and it has attracted over 10,000 signatures in its first week. At this point a written response is a given. MAG is warning the 10,000 supporters that the response is likely to repeat the outcome of last year’s consultation. MAG’s Director of Campaigns & Political Engagement, Colin Brown, has said that a dismissive response is entirely expected. We will not allow this to put off further people from signing the petition.

Colin said:

“I am delighted by the level of support for the petition in its first week. I have said from the start that the initial written response is most likely to be negative. This should not concern us in the slightest. Our target is the 100,000-signature mark which should trigger a Parliamentary debate. This is where we will have the opportunity to get the result we are looking for.”

5 Step Plan

MAG is also laying out a programme of activity to run in parallel with the petition.

Help us make more riders aware of and to sign the petition. We need at least 100,000 signatures.
Contact your local MP to ask if they will speak in favour of default access at the hoped for debate.
Put pressure on the Department for Transport (DfT) to invite MAG to collaborate on the promised revised bus lane guidance document.
Ask the DfT what action it plans to take to work with Metro Mayors, Transport for London and others to deliver consistent bus lane access.
Put every local authority on notice that they will need to comply with the new guidance.

Colin said:

“This campaign is far more than just a petition. If we want the best outcome we cannot simply rely on signatures; we need action. MAG is already working behind the scenes on this five-step plan. Every rider, every organisation and the media can help achieve this win by playing their part. A simple email to your MP or local councillor will join others if you take the time to do it. If you have more time why not speak to them face-to-face for a more direct conversation? I have yet to meet anyone who can understand how the consultation outcome bears any relation to the responses. We need to correct this Government misstep and get this policy change over the line.”

We can get this across the line. With your help we will get this across the line.