Drivers sent warnings over use of bus lanes in Leicester city centre
Hundreds of drivers have been sent official warnings for illegally driving in bus lanes.
Cameras in Charles Street and Causeway Lane, Leicester, caught 245 people entering the restricted roads in the first three days of last week.
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Cameras in Charles Street, Leicester, have caught drivers illegally using bus lanes
Since Monday, drivers illegally driving in the bus lanes have been sent letters warning them that from July 2, anyone ignoring the "bus only" signs will get a £60 fine.
The Mercury monitored the northbound lane of Charles Street, beyond Humberstone Gate, on Friday between 1.50pm and 2.20pm. We counted 14 cars pass the camera illegally – compared to 27 we counted during the same time on June 14, the day before the council began to send out warning letters.
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Ady Culpin, marketing manager at First bus company, welcomed the clampdown.
"We support any initiative which helps our drivers get from A to B more easily," he said.
"If the bus lanes are used by cars it causes a problem because it blocks up the lanes, making us late, and affecting the reliability of our services."
He said he was not surprised so many people have been caught flouting the law.
"From the feedback we get from our drivers about the number of people doing this, I am not surprised."
Under the new rules, which have been in force since December, no vehicles except taxis, buses and bicycles can use the bus lane in Charles Street, or the one behind the Highcross shopping centre in Causeway Lane.
There are plans for another camera, which automatically records licence plates, in Rutland Street.
Exceptions include emergency vehicles and authorised vehicles which belong to Leicester City Council and Network Rail.
Councillor Rory Palmer, deputy city mayor responsible for transport, said these early figures revealed the extent of the problem of drivers making illegal use of bus lanes.
"We want our city's public transport to run as efficiently and smoothly as possible," he said.
"Clamping down on drivers who illegally use bus lanes, causing delays and congestion, is one way we can help achieve this.
"We will continue to issue warning notices for a further week. From then, drivers need to be aware they will face a fine for driving in these bus lanes."
Comments
by City_C10
Monday, June 25 2012, 8:04PM
“Nice to see the clue is in the name 'bus lane' cannot help to feel the LM has already reported upon this not so long ago?”
by Ben_Crossley
Monday, June 25 2012, 4:13PM
“Charles St from Northampton St to Rutland St. Follow the ahead arrows and at the traffic signals you are confronted with Pedestrian Zone signs. No left turn. Cannot get into right turn lane for queuing cars. Absolutely no warning signs or road markings on the approach. Bus at the back tooting. If you want to keep cars out PUT UP SIGNS ON THE APPROACH!”
by Carmedic
Monday, June 25 2012, 12:43PM
“I agree with foxcabs49, I have frequently been reprimanded by other drivers for using bus lanes outside of their operating times, which are clearly posted. Saffron Lane inbound is one in particular that many drivers don't use despite the fact that it only operates as a bus lane between 7-30 and 9-30am Monday to Friday. Of course it may be that a lot of drivers out there need to go to Specsavers!”
by foxcabs49
Monday, June 25 2012, 12:13PM
“Do some drivers understand the signs ?
I often get beeped or abuse directed at me for driving down london road in the bus lane in the afternoon's. Its only a bus lane between 7.30 am to 9.30 am”
by karinfall1955
Monday, June 25 2012, 10:56AM
“Anyone else noticed how few cars there are using Charles Street now? They knew all along, they were just flouting the law. I have even had motorists sound their horn whilst I was crossing when they had no right to be there!! Agree, enforcements should have come into play instantly. After all if this was to set a precedent surely we should receive a warning for any and every traffic transgression? There must be a 'Mr Loophole' who would be willing to exploit this.”
by Graham_LE8
Monday, June 25 2012, 9:46AM
“These restrictions have been around for years, why pussyfoot around?, just enforce them...”
by davetnt
Monday, June 25 2012, 9:38AM
“Was there an earthquake the day that picture was taken?”
by delboy1948
Monday, June 25 2012, 9:27AM
“Why on earth should they get a warning? Just enforce the law. The road signs are there for all to see.”