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More traffic cameras needed to enforce bus gates

Bob Dale
BBC News, South East
Getty Images This is a typical sign alongside a bus lane in England. From the top, it describes: 1. Permitted traffic – buses, taxis, motorbikes and bicycles. 2. Times during which the bus lane is in operation – from Monday to Saturday at rush-hour times. 3. Warning sign that bus lane cameras are in operation. These cameras can be used as evidence of violations.Getty Images
Cameras could be used to prevent cars using bus gates in Tunbridge Wells

Tougher rules could be enforced on drivers ignoring bus gates in a Kent town.

Kent County Council (KCC) and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council have had cameras at Mount Pleasant Road since since March 2023, to stop drivers using the bus priority gates.

But the authorities said too many unauthorised drivers are still regularly using the gates, and want to install more cameras and issue penalty notices.

A public consultation on using more enforcement is open until 19 June.

Google A street view image of Mount Pleasant Road in Tunbridge Wells in the day time, showing a Victorian neo-palladian building, traffic and the bus gates area near the town centre.Google
Two local councils say more enforcement is needed to stop drivers using bus gates in Mount Pleasant Road

Simon Jones, KCC's corporate director, growth, environment and transport, said: "Moving traffic enforcement can only be applied where action is needed to improve road safety, make public transport more attractive and tackle congestion.

"Unlike other moving traffic enforcement consultations, this site already has enforcement, but we need your views on whether this should be continued."

If both councils decide to go ahead, enforcement would begin on 1 September, with residents who live in the area issued with permits.

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