Drivers warned of bus lane enforcement from Monday

Drivers are advised that from Monday (17 October) enforcement on two bus lanes around Central Station will begin. Cameras will be used to enforce restrictions on bus lanes outside the station on Neville Street and on the signalised junction at Westgate Road/Neville Street.

The action is being taken to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the bus network on one of the busiest routes for buses in the city.

Newcastle City Council has issued warning letters since September, reminding drivers that the restrictions are in place and informing them that enforcement is due to start.

Anyone caught driving in the bus lanes in breach of the restriction from 17 October will receive a warning letter for their first offence only, within the first five months of the cameras being switched on. Any further breaches would see penalty charge notices issued.

After the five-month period, penalty charge notices will be issued for all offences.

Cllr Jane Byrne, cabinet member for a connected city, said: “We are taking this action to ensure that Newcastle is a clean, green and connected city that’s easy to move around, and having an efficient public transport service is a key part of this.

“We have given plenty of notice that we will start enforcement on one of the key routes for buses into the city centre. These bus lanes have been in place for a number of years, and we’ve given motorists a six-week warning period before starting enforcement, to ensure they are fully aware and to help plan their journeys.”

In 2020, the council set out its commitment to review all signage alerting drivers to the presence of bus lanes, including the signage around Central Station.

All surplus income from bus lane enforcement is used to fund improvements to public transport networks.

The council is developing a number of schemes across the city to prioritise bus services, as well as working with regional partners to develop a bus service improvement plan, which is aimed at improving services and helping to ensure the region has access to national funding for public transport in the future.