I changed lanes into bus lane as it ended, grounds for appeal?

[Chris D]

Hey guys,

I got a bus lane fine for driving in a bus lane for its final 20 metres.

I have sent first appeal which was rejected, obviously.

I can't deny being in the bus lane, however my argument (which is the truth) was that I had simply changed lanes as the bus lane terminated in preparation for the junction ahead. I was turning left and needed to be in the left lane.

The rejection stated:
The bus lane terminates before the junction and there are road surface arrows indicating the location at which drivers may merge to the nearside lane. There is no legal provision allowing cars to be driven 20 metres in a bus lane.

All this is true, the signage is clear, I knew it was a restricted bus lane.

My only offence is being a bit premature.


Do I just need to suck this one up or is there any chance of getting it cancelled at tribunal?

[michael]

Is tis a Llondon ouncil bus lane? If so there is a solid technical challenge on London bus lanes because the cameras do not have home Office approval.

Register on http://forums.pepipoo.com/index.php? (not a Hotmail email address) and they will help you

[EXC]

Is tis a Llondon ouncil bus lane? If so there is a solid technical challenge on London bus lanes because the cameras do not have home Office approval.

Register on http://forums.pepipoo.com/index.php? (not a Hotmail email address) and they will help you

Your post was caught by the spam filter for some reason so have approved it.

[dslippy]

He has admitted the offence.

[Chris D]

No it's not London, it's Sandwell MBC.

I can't really deny the offence when there's a video of me doing it.

I just wondered if there were ground to appeal along the lines of whether it's fair and reasonable to issue a fine in this circumstance. It's not like I drove a significant distance in the bus lane, or used it to avoid traffic or anything like that.

[dslippy]

People are regularly fined for doing exactly what you did. It is why the camras are towards the end of the lane. Sorry.

[atticus]

You drove in a bus lane. Full stop.

[Chris D]

No worries, always worth asking

Thanks for the replies!

[michael]

No it's not London, it's Sandwell MBC.

Nevertheless, it will still be worth registering on http://forums.pepipoo.com/index.php? (not a Hotmail email address). They have a good success record with council pcn's