Bank-holiday fines for lane infringements ‘are a council cash bonanza’

FINING DRIVERS for using bus lanes on bank holidays is generating a ‘cash bonanza’ for Sheffield Council.

That is according to one driver, who revealed the number of motorists being caught out in the city soars on public holidays.

David Blythen, who submitted a Freedom of Information request after his brother received a fine, found the surge in fines on bank holiday Mondays brings in as much as £16,000 a year extra for the council.

“My findings show there’s some confusion among drivers about when bus lane restrictions apply,” he said.

“For me the whole point of bus lanes is to encourage commuters to travel by public transport so I don’t understand why they should apply on bank holidays, when there’s less traffic.

“Enforcing bus lanes on bank holidays, and even Christmas Day, strikes me as a cash bonanza. The council must be rubbing its hands every time a bank holiday comes around. If the bus lanes are in operation on bank holidays I think the signs should clearly state that is the case.”

On the Mansfield Road bus lane in Intake – where his brother was caught using the bus lane – Mr Blythen discovered the number of fines issued leaps from 10 on a normal working Monday to 48 for a bank holiday Monday.

Sheffield Council said bus lane restrictions apply at all times, unless clearly stated on signs, and there is no exception for bank holidays in Sheffield.

The council warned drivers should be aware this is the case. Coun Jack Scott, cabinet member for transport and infrastructure at Sheffield Council, said signs were “very clear”.