Huddersfield drivers warned of bus lane fines

Drivers, town centre residents, shop and restaurant owners and visitors are being asked for their views on plans which Kirklees Council claims will improve access.

The changes will affect Westgate, Kirkgate, Market Street and High Street.

The one-way system on Byram Street will be reversed.

Some of the bus lanes will operate between 8am and 6pm with others running between 10am and 4pm.

CCTV cameras will monitor eight bus lanes to catch drivers who ignore or miss the signs, with fines for those who break the car ban.

Councillor Peter McBride, Kirklees joint cabinet member for place, said: “We are asking all those with an interest in our town centre, and who currently visit, work or drive through it, for their thoughts on our improvement scheme.

“The proposed changes will open up access and improve the connection across the town centre. We believe this will play an important role in improving the shopping experience in Huddersfield and ultimately support trade and economy in the town.”

The current plans are focused in two distinct areas - one in the area around Kirkgate and Westgate, and the other in the area around High Street and Huddersfield Town Hall.

Plans include re-routing and restricting some vehicle movements, new loading bays, changes to parking areas, and improving footways and bus shelters.

One of the key changes for both areas is the introduction of bus gates - this will limit access to parts of the road and only buses, bicycles and taxis and authorised vehicles will be allowed to pass. The bus gates will be monitored by CCTV cameras and any unauthorised vehicles passing through the bus gates will receive a penalty charge.

Councillor McBride added: “A large part of our proposals are really only enforcing restrictions that already exist in the town centre but which are often ignored by motorists. This causes delays for public transport and makes it difficult for other legitimate traffic.”

All town centre premises will be receiving a copy of the proposals through the post to coincide with the opening of the consultation. People can comment at www.kirklees.gov.uk/huddersfieldtowncentre.

Email comments can be sent to: [email protected].

There will also be an exhibition in the pop-up shop in the Pack Horse Centre, Huddersfield town centre, from February 10 to 15.

The plans will be on display, and there will be staff on hand to discuss proposals between 11am and 2pm on Monday February 10, Tuesday February 11, Thursday February 13 and Saturday February 15.