When Is A Bus Lane Not A Bus Lane?

For anyone that drives on a regular basis, familiarity is key to much of your driving skill.

And for fleet drivers, knowing your route will always make you more efficient than when you’re on a new route – that goes without saying.

But there are times when things are a little less clear, like when it comes to bus lanes.

With 42% of drivers surveyed saying they’ve been caught out and fined for driving in a bus lane, it’s a lot more common than you might think.

Which is why calls are being made to urge councils to issue warnings for first-time offences, rather than fines.

More and more bus lanes have been introduced to towns and cities in recent years as local authorities look to ease congestion and encourage people to use public transport more frequently.

CLICK HERE to read the full story on why bus lane fines are coming under the microscope…

The point that many experts are raising is that driving in bus lanes is usually an accidental occurrence, with few deliberately choosing to do so.

That’s where it differs from parking or speeding fines, which are usually conscious decisions to commit offences. 

And given that many bus lanes are only active between certain hours, it can cause confusion for drivers who are unfamiliar with specific roads. 

While the issuing of fines is down to individual councils and any changes are likely to be sporadic, there are also calls for increased and clearer signage on bus lanes.

Do you think more needs to be done to make bus lanes clearer? And should fines be issued for first-time offenders? Let us know in the comments below…