FAQs

There are currently 3 bus lanes in South Cambridgeshire. These are: 

Bus lanes have been introduced over the years in order to:

• improve bus service punctuality and journey time reliability. 
• reduce reliance on cars by providing greater choice for journeys 
• improve safety by reducing the likelihood of accidents between cars and pedestrians by removing cars and many other vehicles from these locations.
• Improve confidence in the service, this encourages more people to use buses. 
• reduce congestion and air pollution caused by cars.

 The aim of bus lane enforcement is to maintain the reliability and attractiveness of the bus network, encourage more sustainable travel and help wider road network management and traffic flow.

Enforcement is through the use of unattended, fixed cameras. 

Inside the certificated fixed unit an ANPR camera takes a still picture of the vehicle, while a secondary internal camera provides contextual CCTV video imagery. 

 Cameras will be installed as each site is brought to readiness and the necessary road signs and road markings will also be checked, updated and added to as necessary.

Bus lanes are created using traffic regulation orders made by the County Council under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. This allows us to place various restrictions on roads.

Relevant bus lane legalisation: 

The Bus Lane contravention (Penalty Charge, Adjudication and Enforcement) (England) Regulations 2005.  

Traffic Management Act 2004 Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities Outside London on Civil Enforcement of Bus Lane and Moving Traffic Contraventions.

A ‘bus gate’ is usually a very short length of road, sometimes physically restricted, through which only buses and other authorised vehicles are allowed to pass. 

 A ‘bus lane’ is usually a longer stretch of road, which is segregated into a separate and marked lane for buses and there is a parallel lane for all other traffic.

 Some bus lanes and bus gates are not always permanently in operation, so the days and times of operation will be displayed on the signs. 

Generally only buses, and occasionally other vehicles such as pedal cycles and taxis, are allowed to use the bus lane during the hours of operation as shown on nearby signs.

Motorcycles, powered scooters, mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs are not permitted to drive in bus lanes. 

Emergency vehicles are permitted to use the bus lane without penalty. These provide reliable and faster routes for blue light services to respond to incidents.

Where a bus lane runs in front of a property, vehicles may turn left across the lane to enter and leave the property but should not drive in the lane before or after making the turn.

A bus is defined as a motor vehicle constructed or adapted to carry more than 8 passengers. 

There will be times when unauthorised vehicles will be allowed to travel in bus lanes. These are:

• when directed to do so by a police officer. for instance, as an emergency unplanned diversion during an accident. 
• to make way for an emergency service vehicle.
• when crossing a bus lane to enter or leave the road.
• to avoid danger such as a collision or debris in the road.
• owing to circumstances beyond the control of the driver.

 If planned works on the highway requires a diversion down a bus lane, then the restriction and enforcement will be temporarily suspended.

The registered owner/keeper of the vehicle concerned can expect to receive a PCN when enforcement begins.  PCNs will be sent by post to the vehicle's registered owner/keeper within 28 days of the alleged offence taking place. 

PCNs will contain details of the alleged contravention, details of the vehicle and photographs that establish the contravention.

A bus lane fine is £70.  This is reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days. However, it is increased to £105 if not paid within 28 days.

Fines will be sent by post to the registered owner/keeper of the vehicle at the time of the offence. Details on how to appeal are on the reverse of the PCN.

         You can appeal against the charge if:

• The offence did not occur,
• The same offence has been the subject of a fixed penalty notice or is the subject of criminal proceedings,
• You were not the registered owner/keeper of the vehicle at the time of the offence,
• You were not the hirer of the vehicle at the time of the offence,
• The PCN exceeded the relevant amount.
• You were the registered owner/keeper of the vehicle at the time of the offence, but it was:
  1. on hire to a driver who had signed a statement taking liability,
  2. kept by a motor trader,
  3. taken without the consent of the owner.

Other appeals can also be considered if the registered keeper/owner feels that there are other circumstances

Cambridgeshire County Council. 

 The contravention code is ’34 Being in a bus lane’

The income from PCNs pays the cost of enforcement. These include the costs of employing the ANPR camera operators, the administrative staff involved in processing and collecting the penalties, maintenance of signs and lines and other associated costs. Any surplus remaining after the deduction of costs must go towards measures to improve public transport or other highway associated improvements.