Birmingham bus lanes: new signs after disputed fines
New signs have been installed to stop motorists driving through Birmingham bus lanes, after thousands of fines were disputed.
About 100,000 fines were issued after the council erected 10 city centre cameras in September. Drivers said it was unfair because they did not realise they were in the wrong lanes until it was too late. A tribunal upheld two appeals in February against penalties. It ruled that the old signs were "not adequate". New signs have now been installed at three sites where concerns were identified. About 18,000 fines were reviewed by Birmingham City Council after being disputed by drivers. 'Inadequate or confusing' Councillor Tahir Ali, the cabinet member who oversees transport at the authority, said: "I am now happy that the signage goes beyond what is required. "We have noticed that fewer drivers are encroaching on bus lanes, so we will begin to enforce the bus lane regulations again. "If motorists adhere to bus lanes, and the majority do, they help ease the city's congestion problems, encourage use of public transport and lower the city's pollution levels." The Independent Traffic Penalty Tribunal found signs were "inadequate or confusing" in three places: the Priory Queensway from Colmore Circus towards Old Square; St Martin's Queensway; and Moor Street Queensway. The Birmingham Mail in November published complaints from drivers, some of whom were visiting the nearby children's hospital.