Leicester: Bus lane camera enforcement begins on three busy routes

Enforcement cameras have been activated on Abbey Park Road

Camera enforcement has started on three bus lanes along busy roads in Leicester.

Leicester City Council said the £70 penalties would help keep the routes, along Abbey Park Road, Anstey Lane and Melton Road, free of traffic and cut bus journey times.

It said it hoped the move would cut congestion and pollution.

Cameras were activated on Monday but there will be a two-week grace period before fining starts, the council said.

Drivers who enter the lanes, which are meant for buses, hackney cabs and cyclists only, will receive warning letters until 25 March, then penalties after that.

The devices, installed using £100,000 of government money, will enforce the bus lanes round the clock.

A bus lane along Melton Road, heading out of the city, is now being enforced

Deputy city mayor Adam Clarke said: "The city's bus network is a key part of our transport infrastructure, providing people with reliable, affordable and convenient public transport.

"However, people depending on bus services need to know they will be on time. Congestion caused by other vehicles using bus lanes can cause unnecessary delays and disruption.

"These three important bus routes are vital parts of the public transport network, and camera enforcement of the dedicated bus lanes will help ensure traffic flow continues to move freely for the benefit of all road users."

The enforcement has been introduced on new designated bus lanes in both directions on Abbey Park Road, between Belgrave Circle and Wolsey Island Way.

The cameras are also now enforcing bus lane restrictions on Anstey Lane, between Buckminster Road and Blackbird Road and on Melton Road on the outbound route between Sandringham Avenue and Troon Way.