Bus lane enforcement camera to move to more problematic spot

The bus lane enforcement camera on the inbound side of Embankment Road is to move to the outbound side of Exeter Street.

The camera was installed to help monitor and enforce one of the new bus lanes created as part of the East End transport improvement scheme. However, there has been very little abuse of this bus lane so the camera is being moved to a location where local bus companies experience more problems.

Enforcement will continue on the bus gate on the outbound side of Embankment Road. The new camera will be introduced on the outbound side of Exeter Street from Monday 8 July, meaning both sides of this road will be enforced from that date.

Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “We’ve always been clear that we will only use cameras to enforce bus lanes where abuse is causing real problems, either for bus services or in terms of road safety.

"We’re pleased to say that very few motorists have contravened the bus lane restrictions on the inbound side of Embankment Road, so the camera is being moved to a location where it is needed more. We’ll continue to monitor all of the city’s bus lanes and liaise with bus companies to ensure cameras are being placed where they are most needed.”

Since bus lane enforcement began in August 2012 the number of fines being issued has fallen significantly and fewer than 0.1 per cent of all drivers – that’s 1 in every 1,000 – now fall foul of the restrictions where cameras are in place.

Plymouth City Council underlines that every penny of net income from bus lane enforcement is reinvested in road repairs for the city.