Belfast bus lane camera fines to be enforced

Motorists caught on camera using bus lanes illegally in Belfast face fines of up to £90 from Monday.

Bus lane cameras have been operating during a three-week "warning period", but fines have now come into force.

Penalties of £90 are reduced to £45 if paid within 14 days. Motorists who believe a penalty has been wrongly issued will be able to appeal.

Six fixed cameras are in place and there is also a mobile detection vehicle.

The cameras are located at:

• Castle Street

• East Bridge Street

• Donegall Square East

• Donegall Square South

• Great Victoria Street

• College Street East

It is anticipated that more than 10,000 drivers a year will be caught by the new cameras, which use number-plate recognition technology.

The scheme, run by Stormont's Department of Regional Development, is expected to raise about £500,000 a year.

The department said the measures were "aimed squarely at the drivers who illegally use bus lanes to jump queues and cut across traffic".

Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy said: "The advice is simple; observe the bus lane restriction and avoid the likelihood of a fine."