Bus lane access hangs in the balance

Boris Johnson is a fraction ahead of Ken Livingstone in the race to win London’s mayoral election on May 1, according to a poll published today.

The outcome of the battle is likely to determine whether motorcycles are allowed to use London’s bus lanes, with Johnson promising to open them to us and Livingstone steadfastly refusing.

It’s also likely to influence decisions on whether motorcyclists are allowed to use bus lanes elsewhere in the country as many local authorities are looking to the capital for guidance.

According to today’s Guardian/ICM poll, Johnson is first choice for 42% of Londoners, compared to 41% for Livingstone.