Bus Lane Enforcement

From September 2018 City Of Doncaster Council has operated a bus lane/ bus gate enforcement scheme to improve public transport reliability, journey times and to encourage sustainable travel.

Up until now, we largely relied on a combination of voluntary driver compliance and Police enforcement to dissuade drivers from contravening the bus lanes or bus gates. Increased enforcement is designed to change the behaviour of those drivers who choose to use bus lanes and bus gates illegally, keeping them available for their intended use. It also helps to maintain safer routes for pedestrians.

Locations

We have installed seven automatic number plate recognition fixed cameras on

North Bridge Road
Waterdale
Cleveland Street
South Parade
Booth Ave, outside The Dome
York Road, outside Morrisons
Powerhouse Lane, Rossington (i-port bridge)

Bus Lane Enforcement Camera location map

Vehicles using bus lanes to gain advantage over queuing traffic, or ignoring bus gates to enter restricted areas as shortcuts, are breaking the law and causing disruption to vehicles making legitimate use of the facilities.

Restrictions

The restrictions will apply whilst ever there are active bus services. With the exception of Powerhouse Lane, Rossington the following vehicles are permitted to use the bus lanes –

bicycles
any bus or vehicle with seats to carry eight people excluding the driver
liveried emergency service vehicles ( whilst on duty)
Hackney carriage or licensed private hire vehicle. (whilst on duty)

Please note that Powerhouse Lane, Rossington (i-port bridge) has no exemption for vehicles, other than public service vehicles that are on that designated bus route.

Penalties

We will write to you if we believe you have committed an offence. The penalty for contravening a bus lane/ gate is £70. Penalties can be reduced to £35 if they are paid within 14 days, and you also have the right to appeal if you don't agree with the penalty.

Any net income generated by the Penalty Charge Notices is ring-fenced in legislation to be spent on highway improvements, including provisions for public transport.

Make Payment or Appeal

FAQs

What is a bus lane/ Bus Gate?

A bus lane is a lane restricted to buses (and cycles and permitted taxis where indicated by the signs) on certain days and times. It is generally used to provide priority for public transport that would otherwise be held up by traffic congestion.

A bus gate is a specific type of bus lane, namely a road or section of road along which only buses may pass, as opposed to a lane alongside of another general traffic lane. Drivers are expected to know and understand the nature of such restriction, which is referred to in the highway code traffic signs, and traffic signs manual.

Why is Doncaster creating a scheme to enforce bus lanes?

Where are the bus lane/ gates located?

Doncaster has thirteen bus lane/ gates on arterial routes in and out of Doncaster Town centre. All routes will eventually have ANPR enforcement cameras situated on them.

When will the bus lanes be enforced?

Enforcement will be by ANPR cameras, twenty four hours a day, seven days a week

Who is allowed to use bus lanes?

bicycles
Any motor vehicle constructed or adapted to carry more than eight passengers (exclusive of the driver)
liveried emergency service vehicles
Hackney carriage or licensed private hire vehicle. (whilst on duty) except for Powerhouse Lane, Rossington

What happens to the data that the camera captures?

The cameras record images of vehicles contravening the bus lane. The information is stored securely and held in line with the Council’s data storage policy. All data is maintained as per the stipulations of the General Data Protection Act 2018.

What happens if I am caught driving in a bus lane by the cameras?

You can expect to receive a Penalty Charge Notice addressed to the registered keeper of the vehicle. It will contain details of the alleged contravention, details of the vehicle and photographs

How much do I have to pay?

The penalty charge is £70.00 however, if payment is made within 14 days of the date of service, this will be reduced to £35.00. This will be explained on the Notice to Owner along with details of how to pay.

Can I view my contravention?

The Penalty Charge Notice will contain images taken from the recording of the alleged contravention. Photographs will be included when you are sent a Notice to Owner. The full digital image can be viewed online, using the web code provided.

View the Contravention

How do I challenge a bus lane Penalty Charge Notice?

If you believe that the bus lane penalty should not be paid, you may wish to make a formal representation against the issue of the Penalty Charge Notice/Notice to Owner document. Do not pay if you wish to make a formal representation. Please note that the registered keeper of the vehicle at the time the contravention occurred is liable for the payment of the penalty charge.

What will happen if I ignore the bus lane Penalty Charge Notice and all correspondence sent out to me by the council?

Statutory documents will be served by the Council in relation to a Penalty Charge Notice.

What happens to the money collected by the Council from bus lane enforcement?

The income from Penalty Charge Notices pays the cost of the enforcement. This includes the administration staff involved in collecting the fines, maintenance of signs and lines and other associated costs. Any surplus remaining after deduction of costs has to go towards measures to improve public transport or other highway associated improvements

Downloads & Resources

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Last updated: 04 April 2024 17:11:28