There are a number of Bus Lanes in operation in Sandwell. Bus Lanes improve public transport reliability, bus journey times and encourage sustainable travel.
If you drive in a Bus Lane you may receive a Penalty Charge Notice.
The term 'Bus Lanes' can be used to refer to bus lanes, bus only streets, bus gates or contraflows.
Identification of bus-only streets, bus lanes and bus gates
Bus lanes are marked with a solid thick white line and the appropriate road markings. Bus Only Streets are marked with Bus Gate road markings. Road signs positioned at the start of the Bus Lane and Bus Only Streets stipulate days/times of operation and the restrictions that apply. If the time is not provided on the sign, the bus lane operates 24 hours a day.
Intermittent white lines breaking up the solid white line identify an area where vehicles are permitted to cross the bus lane. An example of this is for vehicles turning left to access a side street.
Bus gates are defined as short bus lanes which allow buses to make a manoeuvre that other vehicles are not permitted, or to allow buses to get ahead of the traffic.
Locations, restrictions, operation and vehicle use
Within Sandwell Council there are currently 5 bus lane / bus gate located within the borough. These locations are as below:
- Grove Lane, Smethwick
- Hagley Road West, Oldbury
- New Street, West Bromwich
- Market Place, Blackheath Town Centre, Rowley Regis
- Walsall Road, West Bromwich
Motorists are advised to check the signs at the start of any bus lanes or bus-only street, to check the hours of the restriction being active and also to ensure their vehicle type is permitted to use this section of restricted road before entering.
Enforcement
Sandwell Council may use CCTV technology to undertake any enforcement action. Fixed Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras are mounted on street lighting columns and will detect unauthorised vehicles driving in contravention to the bus lanes and record the evidence. This data is transmitted securely and uploaded onto the Councils' system.
The evidence is then reviewed by authorised personnel who will identify each contravention recorded on the system and issue a Penalty Charge Notices (PCN) to the registered keeper of the vehicle, if applicable.
If a contravention has occurred, a PCN will be sent to the address of the registered keeper of the vehicle, by post, within 28 days of the date of the alleged contravention. The PCN will be accompanied by photographic evidence of the contravention.
Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)
A £70 charge will apply if the contravention occurs. This charge is reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days of the notice date. If the PCN remains unpaid within 28 days this charge is increased to £105.
Pay a penalty charge notice or appeal
Representations (Appeals)
If you receive a PCN and think you have a valid reason to appeal, the PCN will explain the appeals process.
Read more about civil parking and bus lane enforcement.