Drivers warned they will be fined up to £70 for driving down new Black Country bus lane

Drivers are being warned they will be hit by fines of up to £70 if they drive through a new bus lane in a Black Country town centre from next week.

The restrictions will be imposed on a stretch of road in Blackheath, near the new bus station.

Closed-circuit television cameras have been installed to enforce the new regulations, which will apply to the length of road between Birmingham Road and Long Lane.

The new rules come into force on Tuesday next week (September 1).

Sandwell Council said the new ‘bus gate’, which is also open to pedal bikes and emergency services, aimed to make pedestrians and bus passengers feel safer when shopping in the town centre.

Any unauthorised vehicle seen on CCTV driving through the lane will receive a £70 penalty charge notice. This is reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days.

Cars, vans and motorbikes will be banned from using the site 24 hours a day throughout the year.

Signs have been installed at the start of the prohibited area, and a different colour road surface has been installed to warn motorists of the restricted area.

Councillor Bob Jones, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for environment and enforcement, said: “This is about bus passengers and other pedestrians feeling safer when they come to shop in the town centre.

“People can still drive through Blackheath town centre along Market Place via the new road layout that was installed last year.

“Whether you are travelling in a car or van, by bus, by bike or on foot, now is the perfect time to find out what Blackheath has to offer – come along and support local businesses and market traders.”

As part of the government-funded Rowley Regis Towns Fund programme, the new bus station and public space were installed last year to provide a more inviting and accessible town centre, with bus stops in a central place, widened footpaths and new zebra crossings.