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Motorists driving in the Corporation Street bus gate are to be fined from today.
Lancashire County Council has confirmed the warning letters will stop and those using the bus-only section of the road between the university campus and Ringway are to be hit with a penalty charge notice.
The bus gate cameras were turned on during Tuesday 21 May and drivers using the bus gate have been sent warning letters rather than receive the £70 fine.
Read more: ‘Expect delays’ as Ringway lane closure in place for whole summer
Director of highways and transport at the county council, Phil Durnell, said: “By reducing congestion on Corporation Street, we can increase the reliability for public transport and encourage more people to think about using the bus and other forms of active travel.
“We don’t want to issue any fines and they are only there as a deterrent, so please be aware of the changes on these roads and follow the correct route using the numerous signs in this area.”
The bus gate has been branded a ‘farce’ by businesses nearby and shortly after it came into force Preston Bus had to divert its services away from Corporation Street due to congestion on the road – despite the bus gate being there.
What’s the rules?
The bus gate is operational 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week.
It runs from the Marsh Lane turn to Heatley Street in both directions. Access to Heatley Street is maintained.
Read more: Corporation Street bus gate is now literally a gate
Who can use the bus gate?
Buses, Hackney carriage taxis and cyclists can continue to use the bus gate.
What’s the fine?
A penalty charge notice of £70 will be issued, reduced to £35 if payment is made within 21 days of receiving the notice.
If payment is made after the service of charge certificate it increases to £105.
Read more: All the side street changes in and around Corporation Street bus gate
Can you appeal it?
There’s details on the county council website about paying or challenging a penalty notice.
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