Preston drivers warned as new bus gate opens in city

The bus gate will be in use on Corporation Street in Preston city centre

A new bus gate in a city centre has started operating with drivers warned to obey the changed layout.

Buses now have priority in both directions on Corporation Street between Marsh Lane and Heatley Streetin Preston near the university campus.

Lancashire County Council said it hoped the move will "increase the reliability of public transport" in the city.

Buses, Hackney taxis and cycle users will be allowed to go through the bus gate, but private-hire taxis will not.

No fines will be issued initially, with warning letters issued to those who use the bus gate when they should not.

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Following a short grace period to allow car users to get used to the changes, penalty charge notices will then be issued.

Councillor Rupert Swarbrick, cabinet member for highways and transport, said the bus gate could "encourage more people to think about catching the bus".

The council said signage will be clearly displayed and alterations were being made to the road network in the area to provide alternative routes.