Council officials have been urged to stop dragging their heels over proposals to open up the city’s bus lanes to motorcycles.

Hove MP Mike Weatherley has described the delays as needless and has written to Brighton and Hove City Council ’s outgoing chief executive John Barradell requesting the matter is treated “as a matter of urgency”.

Campaigners say they are frustrated at the delay and argue the changes would reduce emissions, congestion and reduce road accidents for bikers.

Brighton’s Motorcycle Action Group is behind the proposal and asked the council to consider a trial in the A259 bus lane between Ovingdean and Newhaven and on the A23 bus lane before widening it out across the city.

Chris Cordell from the group said members had hoped bus lanes would have been opened up to motorcyclists in time for the Ace Café Reunion Run into Brighton next month.

However, they say that council officials have indicated that even if the plans are given the go ahead, it is unlikely any changes will be made until September next year.

Mr Cordell added: “We were originally told the report would be completed at the end of March but we’ve now been told it was not completed until July 24.

“The reports have already been carried out in Bedford, Bristol, London and elsewhere and the results are always the same – that this is a good thing.”

Mr Weatherley said: “Opening up the city’s bus lanes to motorcycles is an entirely sensible plan that will help ease congestion and improve safety on our roads.

“The dithering over this issue by the Green administration is frustrating, especially as motorcycles queue up going in and out of Brighton and Hove, while bus lanes remain virtually empty.”

The plan was originally raised at a council meeting in October. At the time, the idea was condemned as “crazy” by Roger French, the boss of Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company.

Ian Davey , the chairman of the city's transport committee, said: “There has been no delay to this proposal and the council is meeting with the Motorcycle Action Group next week.

“Any future decision on this will be made by the transport committee and will be informed by thorough research, consultation with stakeholders and evidence-based recommendations.”