Sandwell bus lane fines bring in £400,000
Nearly £400,000 worth of bus lane fines have been issued since two cameras went live last summer.
Thousands of drivers have been caught out on Hagley Road West, Oldbury, and Walsall Road, West Bromwich, since Sandwell Council decided to bring in the bus lane cameras in June in an effort to reduce congestion.
A total of 17,154 penalty charge notices have been given to drivers for using the bus lanes on the busy roads – around 80 every day.
It has brought in £399,588. Bosses said the cash would be invested back into roads in the borough.
Councillor Jackie Taylor, cabinet member for sustainable transport at Sandwell Council, warned drivers could expect to be hit in the pocket if they flout the rules on the roads.
She said: “The council has set out to encourage the use of sustainable transport options to give priority for buses which might be held up in traffic congestion. “We are pleased we have greatly reduced the amount of traffic using these bus lanes illegally.
“We would much prefer drivers to follow the rules and not receive a penalty but if they contravene a rule by driving in a bus lane, they should expect to receive a penalty charge.
“The money received from fines contributes to the costs of providing highway services and improvement projects.
“There are too many cars not only congesting bus lanes but also the roads and I am eager to see car drivers consider car sharing, using public transport or walking or cycling where they can.”
Penalties from bus lanes have provided Sandwell Council with a financial boost over recent years. Another bus lane in New Street, West Bromwich, has made more than £2 million over the last two years.
