24-hour bus lanes enforced by cameras in three major Northampton roads could be given the go-ahead - residents have days left to object

Northampton residents have days left to object to proposals which could see 24-hour bus lanes operating in three major roads in the town.

Northamptonshire County Council (NCC) has submitted a planning application to extend bus lane operational times in Weedon Road, St James Road and Wellingborough Road in a bid to improve traffic flow and Covid travel plans.

Only buses, motorcycles, taxis and bicycles would be allowed to use the lanes, this would be enforced by CCTV and number plate recognition technology.

The bus lane in Weedon Road would run from Gambrel Road roundabout to the junction with Glasgow Street in St James.

In St James Road, the lane is planned to run from Bowden Road to Byfield Road.

And in Wellingborough Road, the bus lane is planned to run from the Wantage Road junction to the Ardington Road junction, and then from the Ardington Road junction to the Christchurch Road junction.

Members of the public have let their feelings known on a local Facebook page, where a picture of the planning application's details were shared.

One person said: "Why do they want to do this? The buses don't run 24 hours a day."

Another person wrote: "24 hours is not necessary and a clear indication that, once again, this council decides to punish the motorist with another money making exercise, when they fail to repair dangerous potholes and refuse to grit so many roads."

Another added: "Ridiculous idea. The cars don't hold the buses up it's the vans parked outside the shops."

Residents have until Thursday (January 28) to submit their objections to the plans.

Anyone who would like to object can email [email protected] outlining why they think the plans should not go ahead.

Or residents can write their objections to Traffic Orders Section, Northamptonshire Highways, Highways Depot, Old Harborough Road, Brixworth, NN6 9BX.

NCC has been contacted for comment.