HUNDREDS of city commuters could today illegally be using a bus lane after a temporary suspension order was allowed to lapse.
Although the bus lane restriction signs on the A38 Tyburn Road in Erdington remain whitewashed out the lanes could be, officially at least, back in action.
According to a council highways report the order lapsed yesterday - but a council spokeswoman claimed they have a week's grace.
A move last week by Conservative Cabinet member for transport Len Gregory to push through a permanent traffic lane order has backfired after Labour opponents called a halt to it.
Labour's deputy leader Ian Ward said: "This is an almighty cock-up. The signs are blanked out, but the bus lane regulations have come back into force."
The Labour move has seen Coun Gregory's decision put on ice, at least until the Transport scrutiny committee meets on Tuesday and can overturn it.
But Coun Ward (Shard End) said it was more than just a delaying tactic to show up the council.
Supporters of the bus lane include the Bus Users UK pressure group, Travel West Midlands, Transport 2000, Centro, North Birmingham Busways as well as the Labour group councillors, who last year raised a 2,000 strong petition calling for bus lanes to be restored.
The temporary suspension of the bus lane was introduced in September 2004 ease traffic congestion caused by major roadworks on the M6 and Aston Expressway.
