Drivers flouting law in Bradford could receive £70 fine

Bradford Council hopes to install ten cameras at hotspots across the district, including Market Street and Nelson Street in the city centre.

Earlier trials in Market Street caught an average of 1,500 vehicles a day misusing the bus-only restrictions. In the future those flouting the rules could see a £70 penalty notice dropping through their letterbox.

The Council’s executive will be asked to agree to the introduction of CCTV at a meeting next Tuesday.

In a report, the Council’s assistant director of transportation and highways, John Blackburn, said that presently only the police can ticket motorists caught driving in a bus lane. But new powers are expected to be introduced in March, which will allow the Council’s parking officers to take over the role.

He said: “Enforcement of bus priority measures will involve the introduction of CCTV enforcement cameras on the various routes in the district. Two cameras would be purchased which could be redeployed to various locations and eight permanent cameras would be installed in town and city centres.”

The initial locations would include: Market Street, Nelson Street, Church Bank, Bridge Street, the A650 Manningham Lane, and B6145 Thornton Road in Bradford, as well as Shipley Market Square.

Future spots include Little Horton Lane/Prince’s Way, Bridge Street/Broadway and Bridge Street/Market Street as well as St Enoch’s Road, to cover a bus lane which is planned shortly.

It is expected that the set-up costs of £135,000 for cameras and IT infrastructure could be met through the first year’s income. Any surplus would go to highways or transportation projects.

It is also anticipated that once the cameras and warning signs are installed that there would be an immediate reduction in bus lane abuse of 99.5 per cent.

Val Summerscales, of Bradford Chamber of Trade, said: “The trials on Market Street prove the bus lane is being misused, but adequate and total signage of any change is crucial.”