New bus gates enforced via traffic cameras are being installed across West Sussex.
Two of the bus gates – short stretches of road that only buses or other specified vehicles can pass through – are already in place in Worsell Drive, Copthorne, and Broadbridge Way, Broadbridge Heath.
However, some motorists are not following the rules, and so cameras are being installed there, and at five new locations where the gates are due to go in.
Bus gates are a relatively new highway restriction. In Brighton, tens of thousands have been fined for passing through a series of them on the A23 going north from the seafront.
A report to Joy Dennis, cabinet member for highways & transport, said: “Evidence from two bus gates already installed demonstrates there is considerable non-compliance with the access restriction which needs to be addressed.”
On Monday (November 18), Mrs Dennis approved plans to install cameras at all seven bus gates.
The other five gates, which are expected to be in place later in 2025, are being set up in West Durrington, Worthing; Highwood, Horsham; Kilnwood Vale, Crawley, Dappers Lane, Angmering, and New Monks Farm, Lancing.
The cameras at these five sites will be in place for an initial six months to monitor the effectiveness of the restrictions and signage.
During that six-month period, anyone caught breaching them will be sent a warning notice.
But anyone who ignores the restrictions at Copthorne and Broadbridge Heath will receive a £70 Penalty Charge Notice for using a bus gate.
This is the same as the penalty for parking illegally on a single yellow line – and would be reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days.
The cameras at these two sites will be put in place early next year.
As well as buses, bicycles, emergency vehicles and council vehicles will be allowed to use the gates.
The Traffic Management Act 2004 gives the council the authority to use approved cameras to enforce certain traffic contraventions that were previously only enforceable by the police under criminal law.
