CCTV for bus lanes to stop the congestion (From Surrey Comet)

CCTV for bus lanes to stop the congestion

10:49am Friday 29th October 2004 in News

A faster bus service is expected in Kingston from next month with new plans to control the use of bus lanes.

Kingston Council and Transport for London (TfL) are set to roll out a new CCTV camera system for bus lanes on November 1.

It is illegal for motorists to drive in a bus lane during its operational hours.

Road signing will clearly outline the times that bus lanes are operational and which vehicles are permitted to use it within these times.

Any motorists travelling illegally down bus lanes are likely to be recorded on CCTV and risk a penalty of £100. The fine is posted to the owner of the vehicle who, under the legislation, is responsible for the payment of the charge.

Kingston's executive member for transportation Councillor Patrica Bamford said: "A single car parked in a bus lane can clog up the whole system. By keeping cars out of bus lanes, delays can be minimised.

"Some motorists still ignore bus lane rules, either driving or parking in them, severely delaying buses. Effective enforcement is essential to stop this."

In other London boroughs, such as Croydon, there has been a reduction in cars in bus lanes and a 15 per cent improvement in journey times since CCTV was introduced.

CCTV should not only speed up traffic but will also add to the borough's existing network helping to monitor crime in Kingston.

Go to www.kingston.gov.uk for more information.