A couple of weeks ago I met the team from South West Blood Bikes to hear more about the valuable work they do in support of our National Health Service. It is an impressive organisation. Every journey is carried out by volunteers, giving up their own time, often through the night, to transport blood, medical samples, donor breast milk, medication and other essential supplies between hospitals and treatment centres. Their service comes at no cost to the National Health Service, while providing important support to hospitals and patients across the region.
One issue they raised with me was that, under the current rules, South West Blood Bikes riders and drivers cannot use bus lanes in some areas of Devon, even when they are responding to a live call. In places such as Exeter, where congestion can build during busy periods, that restriction has the potential to add valuable minutes to journeys that are sometimes time sensitive. When hospitals are waiting for blood, medical samples or other urgent supplies, every minute can make a difference.
This is not a new issue, nor is it unique to Devon. A number of councils have already considered the matter and introduced exemptions for blood bike services operating on live calls. I have therefore written to Devon County Council asking it to consider introducing a similar exemption for clearly marked South West Blood Bikes vehicles when they are responding to a live call.
I believe this is a sensible and proportionate proposal. It would not open bus lanes to general traffic, and it would apply only to clearly identifiable vehicles carrying out urgent National Health Service deliveries. It is a practical change that could help volunteers complete important journeys more efficiently.
South West Blood Bikes exists because dedicated volunteers give up their evenings, weekends and nights to help others. The organisation relies heavily on charitable donations to keep its service running, and its volunteers make a real contribution to the National Health Service and the communities it serves.
I hope Devon County Council will give this proposal careful consideration. I will keep local people updated on any response I receive.
