8:49AM, Thu Oct 11, 2012

Northumbria Police Bus Link Crackdown: 178 Fined In Washington

By Nisha Joshi Location: Washington

Police crackdown on motorists driving illegally through bus links

Since May 2012, more than 170 motorists have been caught illegally driving through a bus link in Barmston, Washington.

For residents living in one half of the village, their only legal option is a five-minute drive around the village to their local store.

But many are choosing to cut through a bus link to get there much quicker.

Northumbria Police have handed out more than 178 fixed penalty £30 fines to perpetrators in the last five months.

They have also issued two summons notices and made one arrest as part of the enforcement activity concentrated on all bus link sites.

A 22-year old man was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice after false details were provided to police when being issued with a fixed penalty notice for a bus link contravention.

He was issued with a further fixed penalty notice for wasting police time as a result.

Washington Neighbourhood Inspector, Paul Stewart, said: "This should come as a stark warning to motorists who are continuing to ignore regulations around bus lanes that we won't hesitate to take action against you.

"While they may see this as just a quick way to negotiate traffic, drivers need to know they are breaking the law, not to mention creating a road safety issue which could result in a crash.”

But the bus link has prompted mixed views from people nearby.

Some residents say it encourages speeding as drivers pass through the bus link quickly to avoid being caught.

Sunderland City Council says it introduced the link with safety as a priority, and in response to views from local residents.

The Chair of Washington Area Committee, Councillor Bernard Scaplehorn said: “The bus only link lanes are there for a reason, to help get passengers to their destinations as quickly and safely as possible.

"Car drivers who are unlawfully using these lanes are preventing that from happening, which impacts on road safety and the amenity of the area.”