The decision to suspend all bus lanes in Liverpool as part of a nine-month trial was based on 'flawed thinking' and could damage the local economy, according to the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT).

Bus lane cameras have been switched off since last October amid concerns that lanes were not leading to increased bus use or helping to reduce congestion.

But in its response to the council’s consultation on the scheme, CILT described the move as being ‘based on evidence that was flawed and suffered from a severe data deficit’.

It is concerned that Liverpool’s example will deter other local authorities from promoting public transport as way to ease congestion.

Austin Birks, chairman of the Institute's Bus and Coach Forum, said: ‘The mayor of Liverpool’s desire to review the effectiveness of bus lanes is perfectly commendable, but it needs a clear rationale which is plainly lacking here.

‘The decision to suspend bus lanes appears rushed and is based on flimsy “evidence” that is mainly predicated on a discredited approach (i.e. reviewing movements by vehicle rather than person). In a city with lower than average car ownership but also growing tourism, permanently removing all bus lanes has the potential to damage the city economically and socially.

‘We urge the city council and its mayor to terminate what appears to be an ill-considered experiment before any greater damage is done to the city's reputation as a competent local highway authority; to the city's economy; and to the ability of local bus operators in the area to achieve the reliability required of them by their customers and by the traffic commissioners.’

The council will examine the results of the trial following its completion before deciding whether to make the suspension permanent or to reinstate some lanes.