Cambridgeshire's New Bus Gates Explained

Drivers in Cambridgeshire are increasingly encountering new 'bus gates', a modern approach to traffic management designed to prioritise public transport and improve air quality. These designated zones, enforced by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, are replacing older, more problematic systems like rising bollards. If you're a driver in or around Cambridge, understanding these new regulations is crucial to avoid unexpected fines.

What are Bus Gates and Why are They Being Introduced?

Bus gates are essentially restricted lanes or zones that only permit certain vehicles, primarily buses, taxis, and emergency services, during specific times. The primary goals behind their implementation are to:

• Support bus services by ensuring they have clear passage, reducing journey times, and improving reliability.
• Ease congestion by discouraging general traffic from using key routes during peak hours.
• Improve air quality by reducing the number of vehicles, particularly idling cars, in sensitive areas.

Cambridgeshire County Council is actively replacing outdated rising bollard technology with ANPR cameras. The council, in collaboration with developers like Brookgate for the CB1 area, sees this as a more effective and less intrusive method of traffic control. Cllr Mathew Shuter, chairman of the highways and community infrastructure committee, stated, "Bus gates are installed to support the movement of buses by restricting vehicles to ease congestion and improve air quality." He further added, "This new bus gate will provide a more effective way of controlling the traffic in the station area."

How Does the Enforcement Work?

The enforcement of bus gates is carried out using ANPR cameras. These cameras automatically read vehicle number plates. If a vehicle is detected entering a bus gate during restricted hours without authorisation, a penalty notice will be issued.

For a transitional period, typically the first two weeks of operation, drivers caught in a bus gate will receive a warning notice. This grace period is intended to allow motorists to become familiar with the new restrictions. However, after this initial period, drivers who ignore the warning signs and enter these restricted zones will face a fixed penalty notice. The standard fine is £60, which is reduced to £30 if paid promptly within 14 days.

Locations of Cambridgeshire's Bus Gates

Several key routes in Cambridge have already been equipped with or are scheduled to implement bus gates. It's vital for drivers to be aware of these locations:

Station Road

Drivers dropping off or picking up passengers outside Cambridge station on Station Road are a particular focus. ANPR cameras have been installed between Mill Park Road and the station. This bus gate is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Importantly, taxis are not permitted in this specific bus gate, unlike some others.

Worts Causeway

The bus lane on Worts Causeway has seen the implementation of new 'bus gates' with ANPR enforcement. Access is restricted for vehicles other than buses, taxis, and emergency services between 7:30 am and 9:30 am on weekdays. This aims to give priority to buses during the busy morning commute. "Any unauthorised vehicles driving through the site during the operating times will receive a warning notice during the first two weeks, this is to allow drivers to get used to the new enforcement cameras, before official penalty notices start being issued," explained Cllr Mathew Shuter. Additional advance warning signs are being added to provide extra notice to drivers approaching this area.

Other Locations with Bus Gates:

The council has been expanding the use of bus gates to other strategic locations:

• Regent Street: Heading into the city, near Cambridge City Council offices. Operates 24/7.
• Emmanuel Road: Heading into and out of the city. Operates 24/7.
• Bridge Street: Heading into and out of the city. Operates 24/7.
• Silver Street: This location has more nuanced restrictions. Drivers have access from midnight to 10 am coming into town, and from 4 pm to midnight going out of town. Outside of these times, access is restricted to local buses, taxis, pedal cycles, and authorised vehicles.

Why the Change from Rising Bollards?

Cambridgeshire County Council views rising bollards as outdated and costly to maintain. The move to ANPR cameras is part of a wider strategy to modernise traffic management. While rising bollards can be effective, they can also malfunction, cause damage to vehicles, and require significant ongoing maintenance. ANPR systems offer a more automated and, potentially, more reliable solution for enforcing traffic restrictions.

What Do Local Drivers Think?

Feedback from local drivers, including bus drivers, suggests that the problem of unauthorised vehicles using bus lanes is significant. One Cambridge bus driver, wishing to remain anonymous, expressed frustration: "I personally think they are absolute idiots. Right in front of them on the floor are two great big red boxes saying bus only." He described instances where drivers ignore clear signage and even attempts to verbally guide them. The impact on bus services is considerable, with drivers reporting multiple cars using bus lanes or parking inappropriately, forcing buses to manoeuvre in potentially unsafe conditions.

Summary Table of Bus Gate Locations and Operation

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a bus gate?
A bus gate is a section of road where only certain types of vehicles, such as buses, taxis, and emergency services, are allowed to travel, usually during specific times. General traffic is restricted to reduce congestion and improve the efficiency of public transport.

Q2: Which vehicles are allowed through the bus gates?
Generally, buses, taxis, and emergency vehicles are permitted. Specific rules can vary by location, as seen with Station Road where taxis are excluded. Always check local signage.

Q3: What happens if I drive through a bus gate when I'm not supposed to?
If you drive through a bus gate during its restricted hours without authorisation, you will likely receive a £60 fine, which reduces to £30 if paid within 14 days. For the first two weeks of operation, warning notices are typically issued.

Q4: Are taxis allowed in all bus gates?
No, not all. For instance, taxis are specifically excluded from the bus gate on Station Road near Cambridge station.

Q5: Why are these changes being made?
The changes are part of an effort to modernise traffic management, improve air quality, reduce congestion, and give priority to public transport. ANPR cameras are replacing older systems like rising bollards, which are seen as less efficient and more costly to maintain.

Staying informed about these new traffic regulations is essential for all drivers in Cambridgeshire. By adhering to the signs and understanding the purpose of these bus gates, you can help ensure smoother traffic flow and avoid unnecessary fines.