Zil lane

English

Etymology

ZiL (Zavod imeni Likhachova; Russian: Завод имени Лихачёва), Russian vehicle manufacturer which also produced armoured cars for most Soviet leaders. There were special lanes for these officials in the former Soviet Union.

Noun

Zil lane (plural Zil lanes)

1. (UK, derogatory) Any of the road lanes in London, England, dedicated for vehicles transporting VIPs during the 2012 London Olympics.
   • 2011, Harry Mount, The Olympic Zil Lanes are disgusting – we must all ignore them (in The Telegraph)
   • 2012, London Evening Standard, Boris must ensure Zil lanes are not abused, says Assembly (15 February 2012)