Enforcement of Burnley bus lane to start soon
Lancashire County Council is to begin using traffic cameras to enforce bus-only restrictions in the centre of Burnley.
The aim of the bus lane on St James's Street and Hammerton Street is to ease traffic flow in the city centre, providing a boost for shops and businesses, and improving the experience for shoppers in the main retail areas.
Through-traffic travelling east on St James's Street is directed away from the central shopping area via Bethesda Street, with only buses and taxis allowed to continue on St James's Street and Hammerton Street via the bus lane.
Cameras will begin enforcing these restrictions from Monday 21 November. Any unauthorised vehicle which enters the bus lane will be liable to receive a £70 penalty charge notice.
County Councillor Charlie Edwards, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "Bus lanes are a way of prioritising how our roads are used, and in this case allow us to give priority to public transport, pedestrians and taxis in the central shopping area of Burnley, helping to make it safer and more attractive for everyone.
"We already use cameras to enforce a number of locations such as this, which help to ensure that everyone complies with the restrictions and that they're enforced consistently and fairly across the county.
"The signs for drivers are very clear and easy to follow, and have been in place for some time to allow people to get used to them. We don't want anyone to get caught out and will be happy if we don't make a penny from the cameras as it means that people are doing the right thing.
"However, we are also giving fair warning to anyone who has been abusing the bus lane that they will receive a penalty if they continue to do so from 21 November."