Walsall bus lane spy camera is finally ready for use
A mobile camera to film drivers who illegally use bus lanes in Walsall will finally be introduced next month, almost a year later than expected.
The crackdown on queue jumpers was agreed by Walsall Council last year but held up by 'technical glitches'.
Transport bosses say they are now due to launch the hard-hitting approach with offenders facing a £60 fine for breaches.
A car with specialist monitoring equipment will be used to tackle motorists who illegally queue jump.
However, an amnesty period where warnings rather than fines are issued is expected for the start of the crackdown.
Council leader Mike Bird said: "We're all set to introduce our special marked camera-carrying car on the roads of Walsall in June.
"Our message is simply not to break laws which are designed to help make people safe.
"There will be an amnesty period where we'll look to not prosecute but educate people and we'll be very clear when this begins and ends.
"We're looking at bus lanes in particular which have been a great source of complaints from residents about motorists who flout the rules."
The council had originally hoped to have it up and running by autumn. But it said there had been technical hitches with the equipment which had led to hold-ups.
The council agreed a new policy where those caught by the camera will be given a £60 fine, which will be halved if paid within 14 days. Those who fail to pay within 56 days will see the bill rise by to £90.
The council said the moves come after regular requests from bus operators. The enforcement vehicle will also monitor school gate parking and help ease the headache caused for residents and other drivers.
The camera will generate about £15,000 a year, with the council saying money will be ploughed back into the initiative.
