Deliveries CAN be made using controversial 24-hour bus lane in Northampton

Shopkeepers and business owners situated along busy Northampton roads have been told they CAN use a 24-hour bus lane for deliveries - but it has to be outside peak hours.

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has said any shop owners along Weedon Road and St James Road can use the 24-hour bus lane for deliveries.

Stuart Timmiss, from WNC, said: “The same regulations which existed before the change to a 24-hour bus lane still exist; loading and unloading is permitted as long as it’s not during the peak hours of 7.30am to 9.30am and 4pm to 6pm. We’d like to be clear that this doesn’t include shopping.

“This was made clear as part of the consultation we held before the changes were made, but we’re more than happy to clarify for the situation for any traders who feel any uncertainty.”

This means delivery vans can park in the lane at any time other than from 7.30am to 9.30am, and 4pm to 6pm, everyday.

The council said that buses and cyclists should be able to easily overtake the delivery vans and flow into the single lane traffic without causing any congestion, as it is outside of peak hours and should not be too busy on the roads.

If anyone receives a ticket from a traffic warden, which they should not, then WNC will rescind the punishment.

This announcement comes after one shop keeper along the St James Road said he has been struggling with deliveries as he thought the bus lane was now restricted.

The Maxxi Shop owner, Ozan Atila, described his situation to the Chron last week as a 'nightmare' but said he is 'glad' it has now been resolved.