The new bus lane camera was activated on Academy Way on 9 May, and since that date, the council has been issuing ‘warning notices’ only to those who contravene the bus lane, to help provide sufficient advanced notice to motorists that the bus lane is now ‘live’ and being actively enforced.

However, from 12 June – in line with other enforced bus lanes in Warrington - owners of vehicles that contravene the Academy Way bus lane will begin receiving Penalty Charge Notices of £70, reduced to £35 if paid within the first 21 days.

Signage has been in place since March, notifying people of the enforcement measures, which aim to deter unauthorised vehicles, increase bus punctuality, reduce congestion and improve air quality.

Only buses, taxis, cycles and emergency services vehicles can use the bus lane, which is in force 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The new automatic number plate recognition cameras will capture the registration plate details of all vehicles driving illegally along the bus lane. Owners of these vehicles could receive a Penalty Charge Notice of £70 reduced to £35 if paid within the first 21 days.

The installation of bus lane cameras is part of the council’s ongoing work to promote sustainable transport. Bus lanes aim to help provide a more reliable bus service and increase passenger numbers by enabling buses to have a more reliable journey along some of Warrington’s most congested roads.

Notes to editors

• How does the penalty system work?

A Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £70 will be generated and sent in the post in accordance with DfT guidelines. In order to encourage prompt payment, penalties paid within 21 days will be subject to 50% discount i.e. £35. Any ticket served and not paid before the end of the ‘relevant period’ (i.e. 28 days) will be subject to an extra charge of 50% (£105).      

• Is there an appeals process?

Yes. Warrington Borough Council is a member of the Bus Lane Adjudication Service Joint Committee (BLASJC), whose Traffic Penalty Tribunal acts as an independent appeals body. You can find out how to challenge a ticket at warrington.gov.uk/bus-lanes-and-fines

• Are there certain days when bus lanes are not in use?

All bus lanes in Warrington are signposted to highlight restrictions. If bus lanes have restricted hours they will specify these, if they do not specify hours or days when restrictions are effective, they will be enforceable at all times. The Academy Way bus lane is in force 24 hours a day, seven days a week.