Warning to motorists that fines will be issued for illegal use of bus lanes across Northamptonshire

Northamptonshire County Council has issued a warning to motorists that fines will soon be issued for those illegally using bus lanes in some parts of the county.

Number-plate recognition cameras will be used to discourage illegal use of bus lanes and fines will be issued to offenders from February 15. Warning notices, until then, are being issued to motorists who flout the rules.

These measures will be introduced at the Drapery in Northampton town centre, Weedon Road and St James’ Road in Northampton and the bus gate linking Church Street to Cambridge Street in Wellingborough town centre.

County council cabinet member for transport, highways and environment, Councillor Jason Smithers, said: “This scheme is all about improving journey times and encouraging alternative transport to the motor car.

“As such we think it’s only fair that people have sufficient warning that we are implementing these measures and to ensure that people have sufficient time to receive the warning notices.

“There have also been some areas where there are regular contraventions so we wanted to highlight these just to ensure that everyone was warned.”

The council, after noting particular consistent offences, want to remind motorists that they are prohibited from using the bus lane even when undertaking stationary traffic to turn right on St James Road in Northampton, heading towards the town centre.

Private hire vehicles are additionally prohibited from using bus lanes - with the exception of Drapery, Northampton - whereas Taxis (hackney carriages) are allowed to use the bus lanes.

Vehicles seeking to access the Market Square from the Drapery in Northampton can only legally do so from the north, via Sheep Street.

These measures have been put into place in a bid to make bus journey times more reliable and to encourage people to make cycle journeys using the bus lanes as they are safer with lighter traffic.