Long-awaited bus lane decision published

Following a review lasting three years, the chief adjudicator at the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (TPT) has upheld the findings in five appeal cases relating to the northbound bus restrictions on John Dobson Street.

Newcastle City Council is now reviewing the chief adjudicator’s findings and considering the issues that this decision raises.

In announcing her decision, the chief adjudicator has agreed with the previous finding of another tribunal adjudicator, in June 2017, that the signage on the northbound bus lane is inadequate.

Caroline Sheppard said the view of the Traffic Penalty Tribunal was that the city council had not given motorists heading into the city centre sufficient warning of the fact that restrictions were in place on John Dobson Street.

Cllr Arlene Ainsley, cabinet member for transport and air quality at Newcastle City Council, said: “Naturally we are very disappointed with these findings and with the unacceptable length of time it has taken for this review to be completed, which shows a total disregard for the city and those drivers affected.

“We would absolutely refute any suggestion that the council has been negligent or has misled drivers in any way, particularly as the measures we put in place were compliant with the government guidelines.

“Today’s decision leaves us in a position where our signage has been deemed inadequate by the chief adjudicator for the Traffic Penalty Tribunal even though it meets government requirements.

"Clearly there is a discrepancy between the requirements set by the Department for Transport (DfT) and the standards expected by the Traffic Penalty Tribunal.

“It is precisely these inconsistencies, both with different adjudications and the DfT guidance we have to follow, which prompted us to request this review all those years ago – and it is disappointing that these issues have still not been adequately addressed in the chief adjudicator’s decision.

“We will be seeking urgent discussions with the DfT to understand why the two sets of requirements are inconsistent and to clarify how we can ensure our signage is compliant with the government standards.

“We will be reviewing these findings before making any further announcements – although drivers can be assured that we will be providing further information in a much shorter timescale than it has taken the Tribunal to complete this review.” 

Bus lanes in the city centre, including the one on John Dobson Street, help to keep bus services running smoothly and on time. This is important as over 40% of households in the city do not have access to cars and therefore rely on public transport to get around.

Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, services on John Dobson Street would carry over 160,000 passengers a week and, although passenger numbers are currently reduced, it is more important than ever that bus services can operate on time to avoid large queues building up at bus stops in the city centre and further along the routes into community areas.

As the city recovers from the devastating economic effects of lockdown, it is vital that people have access to an efficient and reliable public transport network as this provides access to the shops, restaurants, bars and access to employment. Bus lanes help us to achieve this reliability.

All surplus money from bus lane payments will be invested back into highways improvement schemes, mostly within the city centre.

Cllr Ainsley added: “Let’s be clear, bus lanes are not there to make money for the council. They are there to help keep our highways network running smoothly, support public transport services and help improve our air quality.

“The changes we have made on John Dobson Street have seen journey times improve for buses using this route and have also provided a much safer cycling route and much improved crossing points for people walking in this part of the city centre.” 

While the signage on the northbound bus lane on John Dobson Street is reviewed,  all enforcement will remain suspended and those driving through will receive warning letters.

Enforcement on the southbound bus lane – travelling away from the Civic Centre – will continue.