Bus Lane Violation

[peterhw100]

Just received notification and a fine of £60 from Southampton City Council for being in a bus lane.

No doubt I was in the bus lane - photo confirms it. The photo also shows:-

1. The bus lane terminating (for traffic lights) within probably 50-100 yards
2. Nothing in front of me.
3. A car to the right of me in the photograph (looks stationary but suspect moving slowly) just about to turn right - i.e. the 'reason' for being in the bus lane.

I am no causing any problem to anyone - in fact I am 'keeping the traffic moving' and 'minimising pollution' (by not stopping and starting unnecessarily).

Should I just get settle up and the 50% discount or argue a case for reasonableness.
This was surely never the intended purpose of bus lanes

Appreciate constructive feedback from anyone

[peterhw100]

My only grounds were the car to the right of me about to turn and would never have considered 'obstructing' the bus lane or anyone using the bus lane.

Thanks for super fast response - almost grounds for speeding !

[peterhw100]

addz86 said:

I got two, one Monday and the second Tuesday morning both going to work in Nottingham.

Both times only just over the line going past a car trying to turn right which was annoying but I just payed them both early to get them discounted to £30

Thanks for response and figure that's what I'll do.

[peterhw100]

pembo said:

But what if there was something coming behind you?

I cycle along a bus lane every morning, there is regularly a queue of traffic queued up next to it and on the odd occasion people get frustrated with waiting in line and decide that they can use the bus lane to save a few minutes.

A few weeks ago, dressed in a garish mix of orange and red (so very visible) I had a car pull out on me as I passed him and pushed me up against the kerb where luckily I was just able to keep myself upright. The guy had no idea I was there.

There wasn't anything behind me - wouldn't dream of 'just pulling across' without looking / signalling
Glad to hear your OK and dress in a manner where you should be seen easily