Spy cameras catch hundreds of drivers illegally using bus lanes

The number of people caught on camera who will receive fines from the first nine days of the cameras going live is approximately 1,900. This is the same number reported in just three days during surveys in January by Leeds City Council to assess how widespread the abuse was.

Last night a spokesman for the local authority said it was important to note that traditional traffic patterns differ considerably between the two time periods measured – mid-week in late January compared to the summer holidays, including weekends. However she said the difference, which has seen numbers reduced to a third of what they were, was so great that it suggests advance publicity issued by the council has also had an effect.

The spokeswoman said: “We’re very pleased with how the first couple of weeks of this scheme have been going, with the number of offences reduced to just a third of what they were. We gave plenty of warning that this scheme was on the way and this demonstrates that our message is getting through.

“Far fewer motorists are breaking the law at the risk of receiving a fine. However, we do appreciate that this is a much quieter period than when we did our original surveys in January, so we will be watching with interest to see how well the cameras are helping us keep bus lanes clear after the summer break.”

A survey by the local authority in late January recorded that nearly 2,000 drivers – 1,941 altogether – illegally cut into city centre bus lanes over three days one week.

Most offences took place during the morning rush hours between 7.30am and 9am, delaying buses.

In one location – along the Wellington Road bus lane near the Clyde Approach – 572 drivers were witnessed breaking the law on one day by using the bus lane.

Bus lane cameras in Leeds went live on Monday, August 8, issuing penalty charges of £60, which are reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days.

Certain vehicles other than buses, such as emergency vehicles and registered taxis, but not private hire vehicles, are allowed to use the lanes.

The majority of vehicles, however, cannot and drivers and urged to ensure they are aware of road restrictions.

If the cameras are successful at improving traffic flows, the council also intends at a later stage to consider introducing additional enforcement, perhaps by using a mobile camera, to tackle the same issue elsewhere. Drivers can appeal against a ticket if they think it has been wrongfully issued.

The cameras have been placed at known hotspots in and around the city.

Transport chiefs say that for every driver who attempts to shave a few seconds off their journey time there are bus loads full of commuters, other passengers and law-abiding drivers who are being held up instead.

Metro, which co-ordinates the transport for West Yorkshire, is supporting the scheme.

James Lewis, Metro chairman, earlier said: “Bus lanes are designed to enable buses, which can be carrying the same number of people as 30 or more cars, to skip congested stretches of the road and deliver passengers to their destinations quickly and efficiently.

“By ignoring the restrictions on bus lanes, which usually only apply at peak times, and using them illegally, inconsiderate motorists are cancelling out the advantages they provide and shouldn’t therefore be surprised to face a fine for this selfish behaviour,” Mr Lewis added.

The council has recently acquired the responsibility from the police for enforcing rules on keeping bus lanes clear. The idea is to make sure that the cameras act as a deterrent to motorists.