Minor traffic offences leading to major fines
Drivers have been warned that councils are increasingly using cameras to monitor traffic offences.
Road safety and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist has reported that councils are making use of new laws to deploy enforcement cameras to catch drivers committing traffic offences around yellow box junctions, one-way streets and unlawful u-turns.
Since May 2022 councils in England outside of London have been able to apply new powers to manage traffic. Data has revealed that since then there have been around a million bus-lane penalty charge notices each year worth an estimated £68m.
GEM is now urging motorists to ensure they know common road signs around restricted lanes and junctions to prevent avoidable penalties.
GEM’s head of road safety James Luckhurst said: “Yellow box junctions are there to keep busy crossroads clear, so drivers should only enter when their exit is fully open, even if the traffic lights are green. The only exception is when turning right and waiting for a safe gap in oncoming traffic.
“Bus lanes and lesser-known bus gates also catch large numbers of drivers out, especially where restrictions only apply at certain times of day.
“Camera enforcement is increasingly common, but no driver should be caught out if they take a moment to understand what the signs and markings mean. A quick Highway Code refresher on bus gates, box junctions, zigzags and speed limits can make every journey smoother, safer and free from unwanted penalties.”
