DRIVERS in Edinburgh who are caught using bus lanes will risk being fined up to £60 from today.
The Scottish Government decriminalised bus lane enforcement this February, which granted the City of Edinburgh Council the power to fine drivers who use them during operational hours.
Closed circuit cameras on ten key bus routes in the Capital have been tested out over the past three weeks.
Cameras have been installed on ten city routes
The cameras record the number plates of any vehicle using the bus lanes and computer software checks the details against a list of exempt vehicles such as buses, taxis, cyles, community transport and emergency services, which are permitted to use the lanes.
A major advertising campaign alerting people to the plans has been ongoing and warning letters sent to drivers caught flouting the rules.
Councillor Gordon Mackenzie, Transport Convener, said: “Bus lanes allow public transport to flow move easily around the city and get to their destination as quickly as possible, but this only happens if they are kept clear of other vehicles.
“Fining drivers who use these lanes in order to beat traffic queues, unless there is an ongoing emergency, will send out a clear message that these rules are there for good reasons, to cut congestion and pollution.”
