Bus lane hogs to face new fines

Drivers who ignore bus lane rules and try to jump queues in a Berkshire town are to face fines.

Reading Borough Council is the first local authority outside London to adopt the system after a government move to extend enforcement by camera.

It gives local councils the power to act if drivers are seen on CCTV and roadside cameras in restricted areas.

From 4 September motorists caught driving illegally in bus lanes in Reading will be fined £60.

Nobody has to be fined as long as they obey the rules of the road John Howarth, of Reading Borough Council

Currently bus lanes are enforced by the police.

But now Reading Borough Council can fine offenders under the Transport Act 2000 & Road Traffic Act 1991.

The council says it is adopting the scheme to try and ease congestion and improve journey times for bus passengers.

John Howarth, lead councillor for transport, said: "Opinion surveys have shown that most drivers support using cameras to enforce moving traffic offences of this nature.

"Nobody has to be fined as long as they obey the rules of the road."

The fines will be reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days.