£70,000 in three months: 2,300 drivers caught by one bus lane camera
More than 2,300 drivers have been caught out by a bus lane camera in the first three months since it went live.
At least £70,000 worth of fines have been dished out to motorists flouting the laws at South Walls in the town centre since November.
It means 25 vehicles have been caught every day on average since the camera was switched on.
The device was put up on November 12 in an attempt to drive home the message.
Transport bosses had got fed-up with the amount of drivers ignoring signs and driving through the bus lane.
Anyone caught by the camera is fined £60, which is reduced to £30 if paid within 28 days. It means at least £70,000 in fines have been dished out.
Helen Fisher, head of transport at Staffordshire County Council, said the number of fines were gradually beginning to fall, suggesting the message is beginning to get through.
She said: “The introduction of the enforcement camera to protect shoppers and pedestrians has been well publicised and we have erected new street signs at either end of the bus lane so it’s disappointing that some people are breaking a law that’s been in place for several years.
“The latest figure is that that 2,328 notices have been paid since the bus lane camera went live, but at least it looks like the message is starting to get through as the average number of daily contraventions is falling and it is noticeably quieter if you’re walking in that area.”
The action came after cars, motorbikes and private hire taxis ignored road signs from the roundabout at the junction of Greengate Street and Mill Bank which should only be used by buses, Hackney cab taxis and cyclists.”
Traffic approaching the junction from Greengate Street and Mill Bank that isn’t allowed on to South Walls should head south on to Bridge Street. If Bridge Street is closed to traffic at night due to the number of pedestrians using the pubs and restaurants there, vehicles should leave the roundabout along Mill Bank.
Traffic approaching the junction from the Riverside shops should turn right into Greengate Walk, right again into Tipping Street and follow the one-way system.
