Nearly 100,000 drivers could have fines refunded after watchdog rules road signs inadequate on one of Britain’s most lucrative bus lanes that brought in £6,000 a day for council
- A tribunal ruled that the signage on the bus lane in Newcastle was inadequate
- Thousands of motorists could now have their fines overturned after the ruling
- The traffic cameras were catching enough drivers using the bus lane to bring in £6,000 a day in fines
Nearly 100,000 drivers could have fines refunded after a watchdog ruled that road signs on one of the country’s most lucrative bus lanes for fines were inadequate.
After a three-year review, the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (TPT) has made a ruling in the case of Newcastle’s John Dobson Street, where almost 92,000 drivers were fined in 16 months.
According to reports, the traffic cameras were catching enough drivers using the bus lane to bring in £6,000 a day in fines.
TPT’s chief adjudicator has upheld complaints and agreed that the signage on the northbound bus lane was inadequate.
After a three-year review, the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (TPT) has made a ruling in the case of Newcastle’s John Dobson Street (pictured) where almost 92,000 drivers were fined in 16 months.
Announcing her decision, Caroline Sheppard said the TPT’s view was that the city council had not given motorists heading into the city centre sufficient warning of the fact that restrictions were in place in John Dobson Street.
Campaigner David Crawford-Emery took his case to the tribunal in 2017 and had his fine overturned.
He said: ‘I think that this opens up the possibility now, that the council will have to refund thousands of fines that have been unfairly paid out.’
Newcastle City Council said it will now consider its options.
Arlene Ainsley, cabinet member for transport and air quality, 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.
Shop owner Janine Holmes, 43, from Forest Hall, North Tyneside, was previously caught out by the traffic camera in the bus lane
Chris Wilson, 41, from Wallsend, North Tyneside, previously said the bus cameras make his job harder
‘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 and the standards expected by the Traffic Penalty Tribunal.’
She 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 council said that, while the signage on the northbound bus lane in 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.