CONFUSION over a new bus lane has prompted city councillors to put a decision on a proposed new access road at Hymers College on ice.
And a bus company manager has admitted a review of the eastbound bus lane along Spring Bank West might be needed.
The bus lane, which operates for 90 minutes during the peak morning period, has caused long traffic queues stretching back to Willerby Road since coming into force on Monday.
Yesterday, planning councillors deferred a decision on the equally contentious Hymers College scheme after voicing concerns over the impact of the new bus lane on a proposed new access route into the school's grounds.
Under the plan, school buses from the city's western suburbs would turn right from Spring Bank West into Brandesburton Street before entering the new entrance.
However, some councillors and nearby residents claimed this would only lead to more congestion because motorists would effectively be stuck behind buses and parents dropping off their children waiting to turn into Brandesburton Street.
Councillor Stephen Hull said: "It could mean traffic coming to a complete halt on Spring Bank West. That can't be right."
Councillor Alan Gardiner said more clarity was needed over the possibility of drivers going into the bus lane to undertake stationary buses.
"We need to know how we are going to cope with that situation from a legal point of view."
Graham Hall, the council's transport manager, said motorists were allowed to enter bus lanes during their operating hours if it was safe to do so.
He said a gap in the bus lane had been deliberately created at the Brandesburton Street junction to allow this to happen but accepted few drivers would realise it was there.
The situation is further complicated by a set of traffic lights in the middle of the bus lane gap.
Speaking at yesterday's planning committee, bus company boss Peter Shipp said he was confident buses could safely use Brandesburton Street.
The chairman and chief executive of the Hull-based EYMS group, said: "We have trialed buses on Brandesburton Street and we do not believe there are any problems turning right, even with the new bus lane."
But Julie Bradley, of Sunny Bank and Hymers Avenue Residents Association, said the new bus lane only added to a long list of flaws surrounding the Hymers plan.
Jon Donnelly, commercial manager of bus firm Stagecoach, said: "We will always be for any measures that help make journeys for our passengers easier and quicker.
"In fairness, things like bus lanes need to work for everyone using the road.
"However, there could be a case for a review of the new bus lane and I am sure the council will be looking at it."
