Bus lane fine.. Is this worth contesting..
Discussion
Firstly I cannot deny I was actually in the bus lane and driving so technically I was driving in the bus lane!! But what can be clearly seen from the pic is I had only just crossed the line and just how close to the end of the bus lane i was.
I was moving over to the left so that I could be in the left filter lane that is visible in the google maps image. The arrow is the approx position of where i was at the time.
What is not so clearly visible in the pic is that the right hand filter lane had already started to fill with traffic which is why I pulled to the nearside when I did.
So do you think it is worth me putting my case across or should I just smile and write a cheque and tell myself my money is going to road improvements after all! Cough! Cough!!
I was moving over to the left so that I could be in the left filter lane that is visible in the google maps image. The arrow is the approx position of where i was at the time.
What is not so clearly visible in the pic is that the right hand filter lane had already started to fill with traffic which is why I pulled to the nearside when I did.
So do you think it is worth me putting my case across or should I just smile and write a cheque and tell myself my money is going to road improvements after all! Cough! Cough!!
Mad Mark said:
Firstly I cannot deny I was actually in the bus lane and driving so technically I was driving in the bus lane!! But what can be clearly seen from the pic is I had only just crossed the line and just how close to the end of the bus lane i was.
I was moving over to the left so that I could be in the left filter lane that is visible in the google maps image. The arrow is the approx position of where i was at the time.
What is not so clearly visible in the pic is that the right hand filter lane had already started to fill with traffic which is why I pulled to the nearside when I did.
So do you think it is worth me putting my case across or should I just smile and write a cheque and tell myself my money is going to road improvements after all! Cough! Cough!!
I don't think it matters a jot how much of the bus lane is left, you were caught - cough up. Although personally I think there's nowt wrong with what you did the rules say otherwise.I was moving over to the left so that I could be in the left filter lane that is visible in the google maps image. The arrow is the approx position of where i was at the time.
What is not so clearly visible in the pic is that the right hand filter lane had already started to fill with traffic which is why I pulled to the nearside when I did.
So do you think it is worth me putting my case across or should I just smile and write a cheque and tell myself my money is going to road improvements after all! Cough! Cough!!
all you can do about itThe Moose said:
What's the fine? Any points involved?
The current extortion rate for a bus lane contravention in a London Borough is £130 with a 50% discount for payment within 14 days. Non-endorsable. No points.Mad Mark said:
Firstly I cannot deny I was actually in the bus lane and driving so technically I was driving in the bus lane!! But what can be clearly seen from the pic is I had only just crossed the line and just how close to the end of the bus lane i was.
I was moving over to the left so that I could be in the left filter lane that is visible in the google maps image. The arrow is the approx position of where i was at the time.
What is not so clearly visible in the pic is that the right hand filter lane had already started to fill with traffic which is why I pulled to the nearside when I did.
So do you think it is worth me putting my case across or should I just smile and write a cheque and tell myself my money is going to road improvements after all! Cough! Cough!!
Serendipitous that I drove along that very same road for the first time two weeks ago. The signage and road markings are compliant so no chance of getting off on that score. The time stamp on the camera shot shows that you entered the bus lane during the restricted period (Mon-Sat 3pm-7pm).I was moving over to the left so that I could be in the left filter lane that is visible in the google maps image. The arrow is the approx position of where i was at the time.
What is not so clearly visible in the pic is that the right hand filter lane had already started to fill with traffic which is why I pulled to the nearside when I did.
So do you think it is worth me putting my case across or should I just smile and write a cheque and tell myself my money is going to road improvements after all! Cough! Cough!!
Drivers eye view here - http://maps.google.co.uk/?ll=51.572055,0.140247&am...
At a rough guess you crossed into the bus lane about 5 car lengths before it ended. From the camera shot there is no evidence that the outer lane is tailed back as far as the point where the bus lane ends, so it would appear that you have moved earlier than you need have done.
I suspect your only grounds for a challenge will be a procedural impropriety in the PCN (e.g. incorrect wording).
Read ALL of it carefully. London Local Authorities are STILL getting this wrong! http://forums.pepipoo.com/lofiversion/index.php/t7...
jazzyjeff said:
Mad Mark said:
what can be clearly seen from the pic is I had only just crossed the line and just how close to the end of the bus lane i was.
If you're the Jag, then that's at least 5 car lengths? Sorry but that's nowhere near the end, nor is there any traffic in shot ahead of you?The two cars to my right of the pic were slowing as the traffic was building up not as bad but similar to Red Devils street view pic. And as you can see in that pic the near side is virtually empty.
It's not people on here I need co convince its the person who reads my challenge letter and that depends on if they are in a good or bad mood on that day.
Technically speaking yes I did drive in the bus lane that part cannot be disputed so hands up guilty as charged I agree. It's the point of just how petty can they be! £65 for what was max 3seconds in a bus lane!! But we all know when it comes to getting money out of drivers they can be extremely petty.
I suppose they have to draw the line somewhere (no pun intended) and regardless of how near you were to the end it's clear that you were in the wrong. As it is, it's clear where you can cross and where you can't and you should probably just take it on the chin rather than waste time fighting it.
I've done the same (I don't take the piss, unlike the Royal Mail van I saw the other day) and accept the if I get caught then I'll have to pay.
I've done the same (I don't take the piss, unlike the Royal Mail van I saw the other day) and accept the if I get caught then I'll have to pay.
Mad Mark said:
I would disagree and say that that was near the end of the bus lane. You could argue which I believe is the point ferraridave is making is that is the end at the point of where the red road finishes or where the white line finishes. 5 car lengths (absolute max) is still nothing while driving.
You are of course entitled to your opinion, as I am to mine. I can't comment on whether or not the bus lane is legally enforceable (no doubt something worth exploring) or why you needed to enter it when you did. The bottom line is you crossed the solid line, and within the vision of the lane camera. If the lane is legal, the offence is therefore complete, notwithstanding what other traffic is doing, and whether or not it's a sensible place to have the bus lane (it sounds like routine traffic flows indicate that it should be shortened).
Mad Mark said:
....yes I did drive in the bus lane that part cannot be disputed so hands up guilty as charged I agree.
Unfortunately, I think that's pretty much how its gonna be! Was done in very similar circumstances for about half the distance you've done there, didn't hold a bus up or get in anyone's way. Appealed....turned down, unsurprisingly, but from memory the reduced fee period extended to cover the first appeal, my choice was then do I risk the full fine? Answer...no....and paid up.Best of luck if you contest it all the way tho.
Edited by djstevec on Friday 15th June 16:04
CAPP0 said:
There's a not-dissimilar layout on the South Circular at Forest Hill. I always try to avoid encroaching on the bus lane - but then you get people who do so with impunity undertaking you in the bus lane and preventing you from turning left!
^^^^^ This, it really Fecks me off!!!!I've heard in the past that road markings have to be clear, legible and correctly placed. Looking at the road markings, part of the 'L' of LANE is painted over by the yellow line. Also, the yellow line distance from the curb varies on the bus lane to after the bus lane. Anything illegal there?
To be honest I doubt I will get anywhere. The whole layout is probably set up to catch people out in this way. 
As you can see the camera is positioned in such a way as to not actually 'see' the main part of the bus lane just the part people will filter across to the near side for the lights. I know that sounds suprising after all you would never find a speed camera just over a hill or round a bend or hidden by another sign yards after a reduction in the speed limit would you lol
But it wont hurt to send back a letter and a few pics.
As you can see the camera is positioned in such a way as to not actually 'see' the main part of the bus lane just the part people will filter across to the near side for the lights. I know that sounds suprising after all you would never find a speed camera just over a hill or round a bend or hidden by another sign yards after a reduction in the speed limit would you lol But it wont hurt to send back a letter and a few pics.
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