Stricter measures to stop bus lane traffic
STRICTER MEASURES could be brought in to stop people driving in bus lanes in York, including the use of number-plate tracking technology.
A series of recommendations is to be considered next week to reduce the abuse of bus lanes in the city, easing congestion and encouraging people to use public transport.
New signs could be brought in, as well as an investigation into possible enforcement techniques which could be applied to other areas.
“We know that the vast majority of people in York respect our bus lanes, and understand that they aim to make traffic move around the whole city more efficiently,” said Coun Ian Gillies, executive member for transport and planning.
“It is very important these extra enforcement measures are fair to all road users. They will only be introduced where they will speed up journeys or increase safety.
“We also want to avoid any confusion for motorists, so can guarantee that the bus lane markings and signs will be crystal clear throughout the city.”
The recommendations are to be considered by Coun Gillies at a decision-making session next Thursday.
Also on the agenda are potential changes to parking rules in the city.
More than 100 different requests made by residents over the past 18 months will be considered, over issues ranging from resident parking bays to double yellow lines.
And a decision is set to be made on the upgrade of a junction at Lendal Arch Gyratory, as well as replacing a set of “ageing and unreliable” traffic lights.
To do so would improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, plans by York Council say, with the introduction of a puffin-style crossing, wider pathways and the removal of a central island. Work on the scheme would start in early 2018.