Legal information
Definition
A bus lane is defined in the as ‘a traffic lane reserved for buses and, where indicated on a sign, authorised vehicles, pedal cycles, solo motorcycles or taxis’.
Authorisation
Bus Lanes are created by Traffic Regulation Orders using powers under the .
Enforcement
Powers were granted for civil enforcement of traffic contraventions by approved local authorities in the . Birmingham City Council is an approved local authority under for the purposes of .
The cameras and recording system have been approved under .
Fines
The Traffic Management Act 2004 provides the necessary powers to enable the Secretary of State by regulations to make provision for the imposition of penalty charges in respect of bus lane contraventions.
The Penalty Charge is £60 for a bus lane contravention for PCNs issued up to 30 May 2022. A discount of 50% applies - the discount rate, or £30 - if the penalty charge is paid by the end of the period of 14 days beginning with the date of service.
For PCNs issued after 31 May 2022 and thereafter, the Penalty Charge is £70. A discount of 50% applies - the discount rate, or £70 - if the penalty charge is paid by the end of the period of 21 days beginning with the date of service.
Penalty Charge Notices are issued under the
Appeals
Appeals against a Penalty Charge Notice are referred to as ‘representations’. sets out 7 grounds on which you may make representations to the council. In addition to the 7 specific grounds, a motorist may argue that there are compelling reasons why, in the particular circumstances of the case, the council should cancel the penalty charge.
Money collected from Penalty Charge Notices
sets out how any money from fines can be used. Once all operational costs have been covered the surplus can be reinvested.
The report to Cabinet, sets out how any surplus will be reinvested in support road and traffic schemes.
Page last updated: 13 September 2024