Sandwell man wants clarity on bus lanes after overturning traffic fine
A Sandwell man has been questioning the length of time it took to resolve a bus lane fine.
Tony Hunt was given a £60 fine by Sandwell Council in 2017 after being photographed driving on a bus lane near Sandwell College's Sixth Form campus in West Bromwich.
Mr Hunt chose to challenge the fine after questioning the signage around the bus lane, in particular, the "except for access sign" at the beginning of the lane.
The 57-year-old from West Bromwich took his challenge to the Traffic Penalties Tribunal after his appeal was rejected by Sandwell Council.
Although his appeal was eventually successful in February 2020, Mr Hunt has questioned several aspects of the process.
He said: "I'm wondering why it's taken three years to resolve this issue as I can't understand how it could take that long.
"Also, they put out a message saying I had come to an agreement with the council on this, which is not the case at all."
The adjudicator for the tribunal responded to Mr Hunt's queries with a statement regarding the decision.
They said: "The Tribunal apologises for the delay in closing this case.
"Due to the passage of time, Sandwell Council have decided that they no longer wish to pursue the penalty charge, and so I am recording that the case has been resolved with the consent of the parties."
Mr Hunt said he wants the council to make the signage clearer.
Complies
Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for sustainable transport Councillor Jackie Taylor said the signs and markings met all legal requirements.
She said: "The bus gate was introduced due to the amount of traffic using this route causing major delays at the bus station, as well as putting the safety of pedestrians including college students and shoppers at risk.
"Regarding this specific case, Mr Hunt appealed his PCN in March 2017 and Sandwell Council provided evidence that the West Bromwich bus gate complies with national regulations and statutory guidance.
"However, the Traffic Penalty Tribunal did not make a decision on this appeal until January 2020.
"This decision does not affect the legality or outcome of any other PCNs or appeals.
“Anyone driving illegally through the bus gate and contravening traffic regulations will be issued with a penalty charge notice and we will actively pursue any unpaid PCNs.”
