Congestion worries over bus lane camera

A SOUTHSIDE councillor has voiced resident complaints over a new bus lane enforcement camera installed on Pollokshaws Road.

Glasgow city council announced last month that five high tech, 24-hour cameras would be installed across the city; on Dumbarton Road, Great Western Road, St Vincent Street, Stockwell Street and, for the southside, Pollokshaws Road (at Titwood Road).

The move follows a council crackdown on motorists travelling in bus lanes — but Pollokshields councillor David Meikle has called on GCC to consider the effect on traffic.

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He told The Extra: “I hope the council take into account some issues people have raised with me about the new camera on Pollokshaws Road.

“Vehicles turning right from Titwood Road find it hard not to go into the bus lane because of the traffic island — will they be penalised if they briefly go into the lane?

“Another issue raised is that traffic will need to queue behind anyone turning right into the petrol station, because cars can’t go into the bus lane to overtake.

“Local people welcome bus lanes but will object if this camera causes congestion and is merely there to act as an income generator.”

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The five new models — which cost £17,000 each — were introduced following a GCC report which set a target of £376,000 to be raised through increased bus lane camera enforcement by 2015.

The penalty for drivers caught using bus lanes is £60, reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days.

A council spokesman responded: “Some drivers continue to break the law, and as with many other driving offences, camera enforcement is an effective deterrent.

“Over the last year we have seen civil enforcement help lower the number of offences in Glasgow, improve the flow of traffic on congested stretches and improve the reliability of bus journeys.

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“It has been reassuring to see a massive drop — more than 50 per cent — in the number of offences detected this year. It is hoped this will continue as people get used to the Pollokshaws Road bus lane camera.”