Drivers face being caught out by a new 'bus gate' on Deansgate in Manchester city centre. Now operational 24-hours-a-day, the restrictions mean only buses, taxis and cycles can travel south - between the junctions for Blackfriars to King Street West.
It's part of the council's vision to transform the area around the major city centre street.
For the first two weeks, only warning notices will be issued to drivers who fail to follow the new rules. No Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) will be issued until February 27.
After that, drivers will face £60 fines, reduced to £30 if paid within 21 days.
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It comes weeks after the town hall introduced a bus lane on nearby Bridge Street as part of the ongoing plans to ‘improve walking, wheeling and cycling throughout the city centre’.
People who use their cars for work said they felt 'discarded'. The restriction means cars can no longer leave the city centre via the road and must take a detour.
The newest measure was introduced on Deansgate on Monday (February 13). A sign makes clear only black cabs, buses and bikes can travel south.
Deansgate was first temporarily restricted during the early months of the Covid pandemic and was followed by a consultation which found there was public support for the measures in place. Deansgate remains as being open one-way southbound between Blackfriars and King Street, with segregated cycle facilities included.
Council officials said the bus gate was introduced as part of a 'long standing vision' for the future of Deansgate, encouraging commuters and those living in the city to use public transport, cycle or walk instead of driving.
Councillor Tracey Rawlins, executive member for environment and transport said: “The Council has a long-standing vision for the future of Deansgate and these latest measures are a positive step towards that. With the right changes we want to encourage more people to walk, cycle or use public transport in Manchester and by focusing on one of the most heavily used streets in the city we believe that our ambition is on clear display.”
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