Drivers illegally using bus lanes now face fines as the ‘warning period’ ends. Many workers drive into Belfast to work during week days and need to be aware of the change in this traffic law.
From today (Monday 22 June) drivers illegally using bus lanes risk a £90 Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) as a network of six static cameras and a mobile detection vehicle become fully operational across Belfast.
The enforcement measures are aimed squarely at the drivers who illegally use bus lanes to jump queues and cut across traffic. These drivers can be a hazard to themselves, other road users, cyclists and pedestrians. They can also delay the progress of passengers opting to use our public transport service.
The cost of a PCN is £90 reduced to £45 if paid within a 14 day period. There will be a right of challenge for any driver who considers that the PCN has been incorrectly issued.
DRD Transport Minister Danny Kennedy said: “At the beginning of June I introduced measures to reduce the number of drivers illegally using bus lanes.
“To help drivers realise that if they ignored the restrictions they would risk a fine I applied a three week ‘warning period’ when offenders would receive a warning letter. That ‘warning period’ has now ended.
“The advice is simple, observe the bus lane restriction and avoid the likelihood of a fine.”
The Department has six fixed enforcement cameras in operation in Belfast City Centre. The sites are at Castle Street, East Bridge Street, Donegall Square East, Donegall Square South, Great Victoria Street and College Street East. A mobile camera unit is also enforcing the bus priority measures across the greater Belfast.
All bus lanes, along with their operational times, are clearly identified and are already a familiar feature to drivers.
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