First car-share lane opens

• Lane links motorways in Leeds
• Commuters can save up to 40 minutes a week
• More car-share lanes on the way

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The UK's first motorway car-share lane has opened.

The 1.7-mile lane stretch of road links the southbound M606 and eastbound M62 towards Leeds.

Vehicles carrying two or more occupants will be able to use the lane at all times, with West Yorkshire Police ensuring it is used properly.

Motorcyclists will also be able to use the lane, whether they're carrying passengers or not, but it will not be open to HGVs.

Early Government estimates suggest that users of the car-share lane could save 30-40 minutes a week in travelling time.

Transport Secretary, Ruth Kelly, said, 'The Government is committed to finding innovative ways to get more from our existing roads and improving journeys for motorists.'

More car-share lanes may be on the way, too, with around 500 miles of motorway identified as potential priority sites for new traffic management measures, including more car-share lanes, according to Kelly.