LGA responds to AA campaign on bus lane and parking fines

Responding to a campaign by the AA calling for motorists who drive in bus lanes to receive a warning instead of a fine on their first offence, and for a limit on the number of parking tickets issued at any location, Cllr Martin Tett, the Local Government Association’s Transport spokesman, said:

“Councils invest in bus lanes to ensure public transport operates efficiently, with buses the most popular form of transport. Bus lane enforcement can boost punctuality, thereby helping to make public transport a more attractive mode of travel, keeping the rest of the road flowing more freely for those who have to use cars.

“Parking charges not only help to keep the roads clear but keep pedestrians, motorists and cyclists safe and ensure people can park near their homes and local shops.

“If any motorist believes they have been fined unfairly, then they have the right to appeal against it. The fact that over 99 per cent of bus lanes fines are not appealed clearly shows that the overwhelming majority of people who are ticketed accept that they have broken the rules.”

NOTES TO EDITOR:

The latest annual statistics from the Traffic Penalty Tribunal, 2014-15, shows the rate of appeal for bus lanes is 0.49 per cent. https://www.trafficpenaltytribunal.gov.uk/docs/TPT_Annual_Statistics_Report_14_15.pdf.pdf