MOTORCYCLES could become the vehicles of choice for fleet operators in urban areas, amid proposals to allow motorcyclists to use the M4 bus lane and exempt them from congestion charging.

The Highways Agency is looking for feedback on ideas to increase the speed limit on the M4 bus lane from 50mph to 60mph and open it to motorcycles.

Transport minister John Spellar announced the plan, and the Highways Agency has begun a period of consultation on the changes before they are due to come into force next summer.

Highways Agency project manager Paul Harwood said: 'Allowing motorcyclists to use the lane would help them to make their journeys safer by keeping them clear of lane changes by other vehicles.

'We will be monitoring this change carefully and the results will help inform decisions on whether there is a wider case for motorcyclists to be allowed to use bus lanes.'

There is no formal public consultation but interested parties can send their views to Ms P Egerton, Operations Division, Federated House, London Road, Dorking, RH4 1SZ.