New bus lane camera set to come into force

MOTORISTS are being warned that a new bus lane camera will be activated on Academy Way in May.

The purpose of enforcement of bus lanes is to deter unauthorised vehicles, increase bus punctuality, reduce congestion and improve air quality.
Signs are already up, notifying people of the new enforcement measures, which aim to deter any unauthorised use of the bus lane.
Only buses, taxis, cycles and emergency services vehicles can use the bus lane. 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 of £70, reduced to £35 if paid within the first 21 days.

The cameras will be activated at the beginning of May and warning notices will be issued for a short period of time. Later in 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.
The installation of bus lane cameras is part of the council’s ongoing work to promote sustainable transport. Bus lanes aim to help provide a more reliable bus service and increase passenger numbers by enabling buses to have a more reliable journey along some of Warrington’s most congested roads.