A new CCTV camera is due to begin operating on a busy Leicester road to tackle motorists who illegally park in a bus stop.
The bus stop clearway, on Evington Road near its junction with Kedlestone Road, is frequently used by motorists illegally parking which causes congestion and slows bus journey times on the busy route.
Camera enforcement, along with new lines and signs, will be introduced from Tuesday 27 May. For the first two weeks, drivers caught using the bus stop clearway will receive warning notices.
Enforcement will begin for real on Tuesday 10 June from which time penalty charge notices for £70 will be issued. This will be reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days.
In all, the work is costing around £50,000, which includes signs and lines, and will be funded through the council’s transport improvement capital budget
Cllr Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for environment and transport, said: “People need to know the buses will run on time and can be relied upon. Keeping the bus clearways and bus stops free of other traffic is key to achieving that.
“Drivers parking illegally at this busy and well-used bus stop aren’t just causing delays and congestion. They are also potentially putting passengers at risk as they get on and off their buses.
“We know from where we’ve introduced camera enforcement at other hotspots in the city, it can be a very effective way of tackling problems like this.
“For the first two weeks, we’ll be warning drivers to ensure they know about the new regulations, before we start issuing penalty charge notices.”
Once introduced, the new camera enforcement will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A bus stop clearway is part of the carriageway where motorists are not permitted to stop at any time. Camera enforcement of the regulations is permitted under the Traffic Management Act 2004.