In September 2010 Bradford Council launched a bus lane enforcement programme to ensure the free flow of traffic throughout the City.
Bradford Council operates bus lane enforcement across the city, in areas where there is a traffic congestion issue or problems with bus lane abuse. This means that if a vehicle is captured by CCTV using a bus lane during restricted hours a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) may be issued.
Why introduce bus lane enforcement?
The aim is to give priority to certain groups of road users by excluding others during prescribed hours. This would result in improved bus reliability, increased road safety and more use of bus lanes by pedal cyclists.
Effective and efficient bus lane enforcement will allow the Council and its partners to achieve easier and more consistent journey times for buses through congested areas by allowing the free flow of bus lane traffic.
What does a bus lane look like?
Bus lanes are easily identifiable to a driver; they are clearly marked with a white line and the words Bus, Cycle and Taxi will be marked on the road in various places along the bus lane. There is also a sign before the bus lane begins clearly stating the times of operation. Bus lane camera signs are also in place.
In Bradford the operational times will depend on the bus lane, and will be clearly signed. Where no times are stated, these bus lanes are operational 24 hours, and motorist should refrain from entering these lanes at all times.
Who can use a bus lane?
Bus lanes separate buses and authorised vehicles such as hackney carriages and bicycles from other vehicles, giving priority to buses.
How does enforcement happen?
Using Closed Circuit television (CCTV) a Civil Enforcement Officer records vehicles entering the bus lanes.
The Civil Enforcement Officer watches the images, verifying the following information:
- Location (or camera reference number) of alleged contravention
- Date, time in hours and minutes and video frame number
- Vehicle registration number
This information is used to obtain the name and address of the registered keeper from the DVLA. A Penalty Charge Notice for £60 will be sent to the registered keeper along with a still image of the vehicle in the bus lane. This charge will be reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days.
Bus lane camera locations
Current operational camera locations are:
- Market Street, Bradford
- Nelson Street, Bradford
- Bridge Street, Bradford
- Market Square, Shipley
Other locations which will be added to the bus lane scheme at a later date are:
- A650 Manningham Lane, outbound approaching Ring of Bells
- A650 Manningham Lane, outbound adjacent to Lister Park
- B6145 Thornton Road, outbound approaching ring road
- Little Horton Lane/Princes Way
- St Enoch's Road
How do I pay the Penalty Charge Notice?
For information on how to pay, please visit our How to pay a parking penalty page.
How do I appeal my Bus Lane Penalty Charge Notice?
For information on how to appeal, please visit our How to appeal against a Penalty Charge Notice page.
How can I view the images of my vehicle?
If you receive a Bus Lane Penalty Charge Notice, you may request an appointment to view the footage held of the alleged contravention. All appointment requests should be made in writing to Parking Services, 3rd Floor, West Riding House, Bradford, BD1 4HR. This is free of charge.
Bus Lane Adjudication Service Joint Committee
The council is a member of the Bus Lane Adjudication Service Joint Committee. The Joint Committee publishes an Annual Statement of Accounts which is subject to External Audit and the arrangements for 2010/11
