Controversial Wolverhampton bus lane camera is moved
A controversial bus lane camera criticised for snapping motorists forced into its zone has been moved.
Drivers hit out at the camera on Wolverhampton Road, Heath Town, saying they were forced into the bus lane when performing legal U-turns and risking fines of £60. They said that due to the layout and angle of the road, they had to go into the lane when carrying out the turn or risk compromising their safety.
Now, Wolverhampton council has moved the camera 20 feet down the road.
Council spokesman Tim Clark said: "The camera has been moved a short distance to address technical issues that were causing a slow data transfer between the camera and the review suite.
"The complaints regarding the position of the camera didn't factor into our decision but we are happy that things will be a bit clearer for everyone going forward."
Despite the move, David Hawtin, neighbourhood watch leader for the area, is still concerned over the camera's location.
He said: "The camera is more visible now but it still represents a safety concern for motorists.
"I think it really needs to be moved much further down the road."
The bus lane cameras were turned on a few weeks ago in Wolverhampton Road, Willenhall Road, Stafford Street, Wednesfield Road and Cleveland Street – and in the first seven days, more than 3,000 drivers were snapped by them. There was an initial grace period when drivers only got a warning letter but it is now a £60 fine.
A final decision on each fine is made after a video of the incident is analysed to check if drivers crossed the threshold for punishment.
Council policy on dishing out fines is that only people who drive for more than 20 metres in a bus lane will receive a penalty charge notice.
When the cameras pick up a suspected breach, the video footage is reviewed by a person, who makes the decision whether to issue a ticket or not.
Councillor Milkinder Jaspal, who represents Heath Town, said: "This news is to be welcomed.
"All three councillors for Heath Town will be glad that common sense has prevailed.
"We were getting a lot of calls from people and there were two main points of view.
"Some people were just against the bus lane cameras all together.
"Others said they didn't mind but thought that this one was in the wrong place."
