Thousands caught by cameras

CAMERAS installed to stop drivers flouting bus only restrictions on an historic Leicester bridge caught more than 2,000 people in the first fortnight.

Leicester City Council installed the devices at the end of last month on the bridge where Thurcaston Road crosses the River Soar.

The bridge, which dates back to the 15th century and is a scheduled monument, has been designated as a route for buses and taxis since 2000 but the council has just launched an enforcement regime to stop it being used as a ratrun between Belgrave and Abbey Lane and Loughborough Road.

It has allowed a two week ‘grace period’ in which drivers are issued with warnings rather than £60 fines - reduced to £30 if paid within a two weeks

During that time 2,023 vehicles triggered the cameras. Had each offence led to the full £60 that would have generated more than £120,000 for the council.

On Monday, the first day of enforcement proper, 106 vehicles were caught breaching the restriction.

Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said the day by day breakdown of offences showed a tail off with 185 on day one to 100 on day 14.

He said: “I hope hat number will continue to reduce as people get the message that it is just for buses.

“My suspicion is that the people being caught are a minority of locals who have been in the habit of driving this way.

“I think they will stop as the fines start to arrive.”

The council says the enforcement will reduce congestion in the area, allowing the 25, 26 and 40 bus services to pass with fewer delays.

Officials say it will also improve safety for pupils at nearby Belgrave St Peter’s Primary School.

The rat run has been raised as a concern by city councillors, Leicester West MP Liz Kendall and the Belgrave Hall Conservation Area Society who highlighted the problems to politicians.

It has cost £35,000 to set up a camera system on the bridge and the council says any income from the fines will be re-invested into transport improvement projects in the city.