Bus lane camera car out to nab motorists

FINES for Belfast drivers beating congestion by using bus lanes come into full force today.

The congested streets will be monitored by fixed cameras and a seventh roving camera on the move to catch drivers illegally using bus lanes to jump queues and cut across traffic.

Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy said the crackdown included a simple message for Belfast’s motorists.

“At the beginning of June I introduced measures to reduce the number of drivers illegally using bus lanes,” he said.

“To help drivers realise that if they ignored the restrictions they would risk a fine I applied a three-week warning period when offenders would receive a warning letter. That warning period has now ended.

“The advice is simple: observe the bus lane restriction and avoid the likelihood of a fine.”

The £90 fines for abusing bus lanes will be reduced to £45 if paid within 14 days and drivers will have the right to appeal a penalty.

Cameras will be fixed in Belfast city centre at Castle Street, East Bridge Street, Donegall Square East, Donegall Square South, Great Victoria Street and College Street East.