Bus Lane Cameras: How They Work And What They Do

Bus lane cameras are used to enforce the rules of bus lanes and bus-only streets. They are typically fixed CCTV cameras that record unauthorised vehicles illegally driving in bus lanes. When a camera detects an unauthorised vehicle, it will automatically record a minimum eight-second-long video as evidence. Mobile CCTV camera vehicles are also used to enforce bus lanes during their operational hours, with a CCTV operator manually recording any unauthorised vehicles. If a contravention is confirmed, a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) will be issued to the registered keeper of the vehicle. Bus lane cameras aim to ensure that bus lanes are used efficiently and safely, prioritising authorised vehicles and facilitating smooth traffic flow.

Bus lane camera locations

Bus lanes are enforced through the use of fixed CCTV cameras and mobile CCTV camera vehicles, which record unauthorised vehicles driving in bus lanes. The PSNI also enforces bus lane rules through police officers on the ground (they are currently the only enforcers of motorway bus lanes). Traffic attendants enforce the rules against vehicles that are illegally parked in bus lanes.

Fixed enforcement cameras are placed at the following locations in Belfast:

• Donegall Square South
• Donegall Square East
• Great Victoria Street
• Castle Street (buses and cycles in both directions between Fountain Street and Donegall Place)

In Bolton, there are 14 bus lanes with enforcement cameras, located on:

• Newbrook Road
• St Helens Road (four locations)
• Derby Street (two locations)
• Deane Road
• Knowsley Street
• St Georges Road
• Bridge Street
• Deansgate
• Great Moor Street

If a vehicle is caught on camera breaking the rules, a penalty charge notice (PCN) may be given. PCNs are issued to the registered keeper of the vehicle.

What happens if a bus lane camera detects an unauthorised vehicle

Bus lanes are monitored by fixed CCTV cameras and mobile CCTV camera vehicles to record unauthorised vehicles illegally driving in them. If a bus lane camera detects an unauthorised vehicle, it will automatically record a minimum of eight seconds of footage, which will be reviewed by local traffic enforcement officers. If the officers determine that the driver has broken the law, they will look up the vehicle's registration details and send a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) to the registered owner. This will usually arrive within a few weeks of the incident.

The PCN will provide information on how to pay the fine, which varies depending on location. In Greater London, the fine is £160, or £80 if paid within 14 days. Outside of Greater London, the fine is £65, or £30 if paid within 14 days. It is important to note that there is no camera flash to indicate that the bus lane camera has been activated.

It is worth mentioning that driving in a bus lane is generally considered a civil matter rather than a criminal offence. As a result, drivers will not receive points on their licence or have to inform their insurer. However, it is always advisable to be vigilant and understand the rules of bus lanes to avoid incurring fines.

If there are reasonable grounds, it is possible to appeal a PCN. For example, some bus lanes have designated operating hours, and it is legal to drive in them outside of those hours as long as it is done safely. Additionally, drivers can enter bus lanes to give way to emergency vehicles or to navigate around obstructions in their lane. In such cases, drivers should ensure they return to their lane as soon as it is safe to do so.

Who reviews the footage from bus lane cameras

Bus lane cameras are often monitored by local councils or local traffic enforcement officers. These officers periodically review the footage and decide whether a vehicle has broken the law. If they deem a violation has occurred, they will look up the vehicle's registration details and send a penalty charge notice (PCN) to the owner.

In some cases, specific organisations are tasked with reviewing footage and issuing fines. For example, in New York City, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has implemented the Automated Camera Enforcement (ACE) program, which captures vehicles violating bus lanes, double-parking rules, and bus stop regulations. The footage is then transmitted to the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) for review and processing of violation notices.

It is important to note that the process of reviewing footage and issuing fines may vary depending on the location and the organisation responsible for managing bus lane enforcement.

What happens if a vehicle breaks the rules of a bus lane

Bus lanes are monitored and enforced through cameras, which record the registration number of all vehicles using them. If an unauthorised vehicle is captured driving in a bus lane, a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) will be sent to the vehicle's registered owner or keeper. The PCN will include information on how to pay and details of how to appeal the charge.

The fine for driving in a bus lane varies depending on the location. In London, the fine can be up to £130, while outside of London, it is typically up to £70. Some local authorities may offer a discount if the fine is paid within a specified timeframe, such as within two weeks of receiving the notice. If the PCN is not paid within 28 days, a Notice to Owner will be sent to the registered keeper of the vehicle, and the fine will increase.

It is important to note that driving in a bus lane does not usually result in penalty points on your driving licence, as these are associated with more serious driving offences. However, motorists should familiarise themselves with road signs, markings, and routes to avoid unintentionally driving in a bus lane and receiving a fine.

If you receive a PCN for driving in a bus lane, you can challenge or appeal it if you believe it was issued unfairly or in error. You will typically need to contact the local authority responsible for issuing the charge within 28 days of receiving the notice. You may be able to appeal on several grounds, such as if you were not the registered owner or keeper of the vehicle at the time of the infringement, or if someone else was driving your vehicle without your permission.

Who is allowed to drive in a bus lane

Bus lanes are typically reserved exclusively for buses. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, and other vehicles are allowed to use bus lanes in certain circumstances.

In some places, bus lanes are coupled with big blue signs that indicate their operating hours. If a bus lane has specified operating hours, you are free to use it outside of those hours. If there are no times shown on the sign, it is safest to assume that the lane is in operation 24 hours a day, and you should not use it at any time.

During a bus lane's operating hours, there are still some circumstances in which it is permitted to use them temporarily. For example, if there is an emergency vehicle approaching with sirens, you can move into the bus lane to make way, as long as you move out of it as soon as the emergency vehicle has passed. Similarly, if there is a broken-down car or debris in the road, you can move into the bus lane to avoid it, as long as you then move back out of the lane.

In some places, bus lanes are marked by solid white lines, with dashed lines indicating areas where it is acceptable for vehicles to cross into the lane temporarily, usually to make a turn or enter a car park. In other places, bus lanes are marked by a thick white line, with an arrow or dotted white line indicating where it is permitted to turn left across the lane.

The vehicles permitted to use bus lanes vary by location, but can include:

• Bicycles
• Licensed London Taxis (Hackney carriages)
• Motorcycles (without sidecars)
• Tricycles (non-motorised, motorised under 450kg, not with sidecars)
• Emergency vehicles
• Hire cars with HC number plates
• Cars and trucks, within 100 metres of making a turn from the bus lane

Some bus lanes are designated 'BUS ONLY', and no private vehicles are allowed to drive in them at any time.

Frequently asked questions