Published: Wednesday, 1st May 2019
Motorists are being advised that new bus lane cameras will be activated on Wilderspool Causeway in the first week of May.
Signs will be going up shortly, notifying people of the new enforcement measures, which aim to deter unauthorised bus lane use. It follows concerns raised by local bus operators about the safety and delay issues being caused by abuse of the lane.
Only buses, permitted taxis, cycles and emergency services vehicles can use the bus lane during its hours of operation. The new automatic number plate recognition cameras will capture the registration plate details of all vehicles driving illegally along the bus lane. Owners of these vehicles could receive a Penalty Charge Notice.
Motorists are also being advised of changes to the hours the Wilderspool Causeway bus lane is in operation. There will now be two periods when enforcement is in place – in the morning, from 7.30am until 9.30am; and in the afternoon, from 4.30pm-6.30pm. The cameras will be activated in early May and warning notices will be issued for a short period of time.
From mid-May, the cameras will be fully operational and at this point, drivers engaging in unauthorised use of the bus lane will be issued a Penalty Charge Notice. Warrington Borough Council’s executive board member for transport and highways, Cllr Hans Mundry, said: “Bus lanes offer speedier travel for bus users and improve service reliability, making buses a more attractive proposition for people to use. More passengers on buses means fewer cars on the road, which means improved air quality.
“We recognise the importance of our bus lanes and the problems that are caused through their unathorised use. The introduction of the new cameras on Wilderspool Causeway – and in other parts of the borough – is an important part of our work to support public transport, reduce congestion and keep Warrington moving.”
