Publicity drive to warn of bus lane fines crackdown

The aim is to inform people of the “Keep Sheffield Moving” project, which the council says is intended to keep “traffic flowing along busy routes”.

In February this year a decision was made to begin enforce parking restrictions using a mobile camera mounted on a van.

The enforcement vehicle will initially be used on some of the busier routes in Sheffield, including Ecclesall Road, Spital Hill and Owler Lane.

Meanwhile, the council says that the camera enforcement of bus lanes and gates “is progressing at several sites”, including Bolsover Street, London Road and South Lane.

Drivers who go through bus lanes or tram gates during the hours they are operational should expect a fine of £60, which is reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days.

Coun Leigh Bramall, Sheffield Council’s cabinet member for business, skills and development, said: “We want to avoid having to fine motorists if possible, so we have planned a targeted publicity campaign to supplement the on-street signs to ensure they are aware of the restrictions.

“I would certainly ask them to carefully check the signs for 
the times that they are allowed 
to drive in bus lanes and bus 
gates or when they can park and load.

“We want the changes that have been made to be effective in keeping the city moving and, to make sure the changes are effective, we will be enforcing the illegal use of these busy routes.”

Since 2008, the council has also been extending times on urban clearways around the city. 
These affect the hours when parking and loading on many of the busier routes in Sheffield is allowed.

A spokesman said that it is 
expected to take up to two years to complete the programme of re-signing work, with changes planned on Broad Street, 
Chesterfield Road and Attercliffe Road in the current financial 
year.

The “Streets Ahead” project, to improve every one of Sheffield’s roads over the next 25 years, is also set to start in Carbrook next year.

The £2bn private finance initiative (PFI) project, being carried out by contractor Amey, is already underway in Shiregreen and Ewden.

Works lasting around six months are set to begin in Carbrook in October. This will involve improving street lighting, drainage, road surfaces, pavement surfaces and road markings.

Over the first five years of Amey’s contract, which began last month, the firm will improve the roads, pavements and street furniture around the city.

The remaining 20 years of the contract will then involve maintaining those streets to that standard.