Bus Lane Enforcement cameras ‘Go Live’

Drivers caught using bus lanes in Blackburn and Darwen could face a £60 fine when new enforcement cameras are introduced in September.

As the Pennine Reach scheme nears competition, residents and visitors to the borough will have seen some dramatic changes to the highway network. To coincide with these changes, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council will be implementing Bus Lane Enforcement.

The enforcement of designated bus lanes is designed to improve journey times for motorists, cyclists and public transport users with the aim to discourage inconsiderate driving practices, increase the use of public transport and reduce the risk to cyclists and pedestrians.

All lanes will be clearly highlighted by markings on the highway and signage leading to the approach.

Further information regarding bus lanes and bus lane enforcement can be found at: http://www.blackburn.gov.uk/Pages/Bus-lane-enforcement.aspx

Councillor Phil Riley, Executive Member for Regeneration, said:

This is part of a wider package of transport work to make it easier and quicker to get around Blackburn and Darwen.

The vast majority of motorists do follow the rules but there is an irresponsible and selfish minority who drive down bus lanes, slowing up buses and disrupting other road users, which is obviously not fair on others.

It’s not about penalising people who may inadvertently stray into a bus lane for a few moments but deterring drivers who believe that using a bus lane will get them to their destination quicker. Once they receive a penalty notice, we hope that they will think twice about using bus lanes in future.”

Bus lane enforcement cameras will be installed on various routes across the Borough as part of the Pennine Reach scheme and will ‘go live’ from 1st September 2016, with formal enforcement commencing from 1^st October 2016.