A NEW road marking system, encouraging drivers to use a bus lane in Mandeville Road, Northolt, in non-operational hours, has been declared a success.

Installed by Ealing Council, it is thought to be the first of its kind in the country.

The road was embedded last year with ‘hockey puck’ units, containing orange light emitting diodes (LEDs) in a chevron formation.

The chevrons light up outside bus lane enforcement hours of 7-10am and 4-7pm on weekdays, to show motorists they are able to use the bus lane.

Mandeville Road is one of the busiest roads in the borough and is about 60% busier than Uxbridge Road.

Since the lighting system was installed, there has been a 45% increase in the use of the bus lane during non-operational hours, compared to 2012.

Cllr Bassam Mahfouz, cabinet member for transport, said: “Congestion is a top issue for residents particularly in Northolt. “Many drivers are wary of using bus lanes outside of operational hours, but we want to encourage best use of the entire road.”