Bus Lane Cameras go live This Month

Cheshire West and Chester Council is introducing Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to carry out bus lane enforcement later this month.

The cameras will be used to discourage irresponsible drivers who wilfully ignore traffic regulations and drive in bus lanes, slowing up public transport users.

The cameras go live on Monday 19 August. Drivers caught driving in bus lanes will only receive a warning letter during the first four weeks to help educate and raise awareness.

Unauthorised driving in bus lanes is an offence and the Police will still have powers to prosecute. But the Council is also taking on the power to enforce by ANPR cameras, which will improve detection rates and be a more effective deterrent.

Most of the existing bus lanes can also be used by taxis, motorcycles and pedal cycles. All lanes will be clearly signed to indicate which vehicles are permitted in each case."

Full enforcement using ANPR cameras; already in place in other cities and large towns around the country will officially begin from Monday 16 September in bus lanes on:

• Chester Bus Interchange Access (off St Oswald's Way)
• Upper Northgate Street (off the Fountains roundabout)
• Wrexham Road
• Hough Green

The cameras identify cars that drive in bus lanes and result in the owner receiving a £60 Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) which is reduced to £30 if it is paid within 14 days.

The cameras will be set up to automatically record digital pictures of vehicles when the driver ignores bus lane restrictions.

These images will then be checked by trained officers, and if a contravention has taken place, a PCN will be issued to the owner.

The Council will use revenue raised to reinvest in the highways network and transport schemes. All lanes will have prominent, clear signs.