Cameras to be installed to enforce bus lanes

Council officers say many drivers ignore the bus lane restrictions, leading to delays

Fines could be issued to drivers who use bus lanes in Wath upon Dearne in South Yorkshire.

Rotherham Council has approved plans to enforce restrictions at the town's bus interchange using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras.

Council officers said many drivers ignore the existing restrictions, leading to "significant" delays to buses and increased traffic around the interchange.

The cameras are expected to be installed by the end of the year and a council report said it was hoped the change would lead to a more "efficient and environmentally sustainable transport system".

About 171 buses enter or exit the interchange daily, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The existing restrictions, which prohibit general traffic from entering Montgomery Road or exiting West Street onto Biscay Way, have been in place since 1995, but enforcement has proved "challenging" for the council, a report said.

'Fully supportive'

A consultation on the proposed changes took place in April and May and recorded no objections.

A Stagecoach Yorkshire spokesperson said they were "fully supportive" of the plans, which they expected to lead to more punctual journeys and safer conditions for drivers.

The council has confirmed that enforcement will be managed by its parking services team.

Existing loading and permit holder exemptions will remain unchanged, according to the local authority, and access via West Street will not be affected.

The cost of making the changes, including putting up new signs, is expected to be £7,500.