Fishergate bus lane signs ruled ‘not adequate’ as appeals upheld

The new bus lane cameras at the end of Fishergate. £60 if you break the rules. Pic: Tony Worrall

Six motorists who appealed against having to pay fines for ‘being in a bus lane’ in Fishergate have had their appeals upheld.

The Traffic Penalty Tribunal today (March 9) deemed that the signage on the approach to Fishergate from Lune Street, Chapel Street and Fox Street is not adequate to warn motorists of the restriction which operates from 11am until 6pm.

There are 300 outstanding appeals to be dealt with following the decision.

More: Fishergate bus lane staying until April

Caroline Sheppard, chief parking adjudicator, comments: “These two cases (Preston and an instance in Nottingham) illustrate the work of the Traffic Penalty Tribunal Adjudicators where motorists have been penalised for driving in a bus lane.

“While most cases are about a £60 penalty, the outcome can have significant implications for councils and motorists.

“Appealing is simple through the TPT award-winning online appeals system, and motorists can upload evidence and view the council case online. There are no costs or charges.

“The independent lawyer adjudicator can communicate with the parties through messaging to clarify the issues and will usually issue a decision within two or three weeks.”

Introducing the bus lanes has netted the county council thousands of pounds a week in fines, with the first full week of operation seeing nearly 8,000 fines issued.

Stephen Knapp, adjudicator for the decision, said in his findings: “I am not satisfied that the signing taken as a whole but particularly at the point where the bus street restriction begins is adequate.

“This is in the context of a major road traffic scheme which changed the appearance of Fishergate and the direction of travel for vehicles on Mount Street and Chapel Street.

“I find that the single sign on the nearside at the point where the restriction begins did not reasonably bring the new restriction to the attention of these appellants or drivers generally.”

Cabinet member for highways and transport county councillor John Fillis said: “We have only received the decision this afternoon and we are looking into the implications for this scheme.”