Drivers found to be flouting bus lane rules in Weston will soon face a fine, according to North Somerset Council.
From Monday, May 23 new automatic number plate recognition camera systems (ANPR) will enforce two sections of road which have been designated as bus lanes. These are found at the existing Queensway Bus Terminus at Commercial Way/Queensway Commercial Centre in Worle and the new Bus Interchange at Alexandra Parade/Regent Street in Weston.
The council says that the two sites require the control of unauthorised vehicles in order to operate safely and free from congestion. It also says that these areas generally experience high pedestrian movements and unlawful use of the infrastructure has had a detrimental effect on public transport operator journey times and service provision at key times.
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The enforcement of bus lane infrastructure is anticipated to have benefits such as:
- More free-flowing public transport due to fewer illegally parked or queuing vehicles
- Reduced journey times for public transport encouraging more people to use services
- Safer roads with less accidents
- Improved highway management
- Consistency of approach with neighbouring authorities
Cllr Steve Hogg, North Somerset Council's executive member with responsibility for transport and highways, said: "Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera systems offer an unattended and efficient way of monitoring any abuse on our road network.
Following initial installation, ANPR systems have low running/maintenance costs with a back-office system that becomes active and generates a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) only when a breach is identified. We would urge drivers to respect our bus lanes and not abuse them. Otherwise you will be facing a fine."
A PCN would cost £60 or £30 if paid within 14 days and, from Monday, June 6, the revenue collected from the breaches of the traffic order will cover the costs associated with running the system and any surplus will be made available to road and transport improvements.
If the enforcement process works well, the system may be rolled out to other locations. The scheme will operate under a short warning notice period for first time offenders only, while the new regulations come into effect.
The works will cost around £177,000 and is being carried out by Yunex (Part of Siemens), Centregreat and Milestone Infrastructure Services.
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