Number-plate recognition camera will catch drivers illegally using bus lanes in Northampton

Problem bus lanes in Northampton will be equipped with number-plate recognition cameras to catch illegal drivers trying to skip through traffic.

The county council has promised to hand out fines to any illicit vehicle spotted using the town's bus lanes in Weedon Road and the Drapery.

It comes after a survey found nearly 3,000 drivers illegally tried to shortcut through the Drapery in just seven days, while 700 motorists were seen using the wrong lane on Weedon Road over 16 days.

Enforcement starts on February 1 - but during January, warning notices will be issued to those who flout the rules to act as a warning.

The local authority claims freeing up the bus lanes will make bus journey times more reliable and therefore a more attractive mode of transport.

It also encourages people to make cycle journeys along the routes with the lanes being relatively safe with lighter traffic.

The measures will be introduced at three sites in Northamptonshire:

■ Drapery, Northampton town centre

■ Weedon Road / St James’ Road, Northampton

■ The bus gate linking Church Street to Cambridge Street in Wellingborough town centre.

Councillor Jason Smithers, county council cabinet member for transport, highways and environment, said: “Part of the solution to reducing congestion and pollution is to encourage people to use more sustainable forms of transport.

“A real challenge to promoting bus travel is guaranteeing reliable journey times. I believe this plan will make significant improvements in making bus travel an attractive option for commuters.

“I also think it will encourage cycling as the bus lanes, if free of cars, are fairly traffic light and better for those who choose pedal power.

“Obviously at the moment with the Covid-19 pandemic people should only be making essential journeys but this infrastructure will continue to be in place once restrictions are lifted.”