Road Confusion in England ?

Question

Is it alright for a vehicle to overtake another vehicle from the left during permitted hours in a Bus Lane ? ... The Buses do it ? and how would an accident claim be decided ?

Answer 1

You should never overtake on the left, unless on a oneway street where you can overtake on either side. So whoever was in the bus lane would be in the wrong, unless of course it was the bus and they wouldn't exactly be overtaking just because they went past you

Answer 2

NO TWICE:-

undertaking on the left is illegal unless the other vehicle is stopped and turning right.

using a buss lane during hours of operation unless you are  a bus is also not allowed.

accident claims are not judged by a court normally each company claim off each other and you both lose your no claims bonus irrespective of who is to blame!

Answer 3

You can only overtake to the left if the vehicle is going significantly slower than the speed limit or if the other vehicle is stationary (ie turning right) and it is safe to do so.

If you overtook on the nearside under other circumstances you could commit the offence of driving without due care or even careless or dangerous driving depending on the situation.

Certainly in the event of a collision you would be likely to be at fault.

Answer 4

Bus lanes can be very complicated. My only advice to you is signal in good time with your intention turn left.

Undertaking is allowed on motorway's where there is a 2plus lane, and traffic to the right is slower. However, you should always drive with care, and be ready for any idiots out there.

Common sense should tell the bus driver you wish to take a left turn, and they should give way.

Answer 5

Overtaking on the left is called undertaking, and its illegal.  Buses do it because they are allowed in the bus lane, so are taxis and cyclists - nobody else!