Cameras will be used in 17 locations across Nottinghamshire to clamp down on motorists breaching bus lane rules or parking and blocking bus stops. Nottinghamshire County Council plans to increase its traffic enforcement across the county because of “significant contraventions” of road laws.
The council says this includes problems at bus lanes where surveys found more than one in five vehicles using the routes were not buses.
These locations are the southbound bus lanes on Nottingham Road, in Nuthall, Mansfield Road in Woodthorpe, and West Gate and Leeming Lane South in Mansfield.
The northbound bus lane on Bridgford Road, in West Bridgford, and the eastbound bus lane on Bridge Street, Mansfield, will also be targeted. All six locations will get new automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras to monitor cars contravening the bus lane regulations so fines of up to £70 can be issued to motorists.
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The authority says more surveys will check other bus lanes to see if there are further problem areas.
And any new bus lanes introduced across the county will also be installed with camera enforcement from the start to ensure they are used properly, the council says.
In a report, the authority said: “It is hoped that, with an increased number of enforced bus lanes, motorists will become more aware, and compliance will improve at all locations.
“As part of this scheme, the existing signage and lining will be reviewed at each of the identified bus priority sites to ensure motorists are fully aware of the rules and restrictions in place.
“It is also proposed that any new bus lanes will be introduced with camera enforcement from the outset and motorists will be given an appropriate notice period to get used to the new measure.”
Another 17 “hotspot” bus stops across the county will also be targeted by cameras to prevent motorists blocking buses from using them. Five static ANPR cameras will be used on a rotational basis at bus stops that are “frequently blocked by other vehicles”.
This includes Leeming Street, in Mansfield, where bus company Stagecoach last year stopped travelling after 6.30pm due to several bus stops’ “proximity to fast food outlets”.
The council says the company’s decision caused “significant inconvenience to passengers”, with Stagecoach telling the authority it would bring back services “if the bus stops are enforced”.
Other locations include Broomhill Road, in Hucknall, Newcastle Avenue and Retford Road in Worksop, High Road in Beeston, Woodborough Road in Mapperley, Lingforest Road and Ravensdale Road in Mansfield, Castle Gate in Newark and West Bridgford’s Davies Road and Radcliffe Road.
The authority says bus stops in these locations are “frequently blocked by parked vehicles”. Existing signs and lines will be reviewed to ensure drivers are aware of the rules, as well as camera enforcement.
If motorists are found breaching either the bus lane or bus stop rules, the council says fines start at £70 but are halved if paid within 14 days. The changes were approved by Councillor Neil Clarke, who represents Bingham West for the Conservatives and is cabinet member for transport and environment, during a delegated decision on Monday (May 15).
Speaking after the decision was taken, Mr Clarke said: “We want to enforce bus lanes as there have been complaints of other road users using them. We want to make sure buses get priority as that’s what bus lanes are for, so enforcing it is the right thing to do.”
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