Bus lane operating hours on a congested route into Bradford should be extended to create a more speedy service, it is claimed.

Bus companies have flagged up the need to improve journey times along the A650 Manningham Lane, especially during off-peak periods when buses are forced to queue with other traffic.

At present, the bus lane on the A650 operates from 7.30am to 9.30am between Shipley and Bradford, with a further restriction from 4pm to 6.30pm between the city and Lister Park.

But Metro - the West Yorkshire Passenger Trans-port Executive - has approached Bradford Council and the Highways Agency to propose a review of the bus lane's afternoon starting time.

Bus companies want lane restrictions to come into force at 3pm or earlier.

Khadim Hussain, operations manager for First, said: "We have a number of buses operating on the route, so we would be supportive of this move. It would help buses pass through without being held back in the traffic.

"It's one of the busiest corridors into Bradford and there are lots of schools on the road, which creates additional traffic. It's not just rush hour that's busy.

"Ideally, we would like the bus lane all day and during some sections of the weekend, but we don't want to be too selfish."

A spokesman for Metro said: "Bus operators have said an earlier start time would improve journey times and the reliability of services along this route.

"This approach is part of an overall review which Metro is carrying out with all the five West Yorkshire councils to investigate maximising the effectiveness of bus lanes and, in turn, improving bus reliability."

Bradford Council maintains part of the A650, between Bradford and Frizinghall, while the Highways Agency is responsible for the stretch between Frizinghall and Bingley,.

Shipley Councillor Martin Love said: "Travelling along that road later in the day, between 4.30pm and 6.30pm, is quicker on the bus than going earlier.

"I have been pressing for the bus lane times to be changed ever since the Bingley Relief Road opened. It's congested going towards Saltaire from Bradford, not just at the traditional rush hour.

"It would help people using the buses if it was brought forward to 3pm or even 2.30pm."

Bus driver and Councillor Phillip Thornton said better enforcement against drivers who illegally use bus lanes was necessary before bus lane hours were extended.