In just two-and-a-half months, the ‘cash cam’ installed on Dereham Road in Norwich, has caught over 10k drivers – surpassing the tally from all the other city bus lane cameras combined.
Motoring organisation the RAC called for Norfolk County Council to carry out a review of the camera, while some drivers say signs and road markings are not clear enough.
However, the council has ruled out any review, insisting that the high number of fines only shows why the cameras need to be there in the first place to keep cars out of the bus lane, which has been there for more than 15 years.
A spokesman for the council said: “It is usual to have a spike at the start of when an enforcement camera goes live and although the numbers were higher than we expected to begin with, we always anticipated the rate would slow, which we have now seen.
“This indicates the decision to enforce at this location is justified, as it clearly shows there has been an issue of non-compliance, which we are tackling to ensure the network is kept moving and safe for all users.”
One driver who was caught vented his frustration: “The lines which should clearly be visible to show the end of the bus lane, with arrows showing you can come over, are practically none existing.
“This is nothing but a cash cam placed at the most unclear white lines markings.”
RAC’s head of policy Simon Williams has called for a review by the council, highlighting that most drivers don’t intentionally incur fines from bus lane cameras.
He remarked: “Most drivers don’t set out to get fined by driving in a bus lane, so when cameras generate frightening sums of money it’s usually because the signage isn’t clear enough.”
Williams added: “While the signage may meet the recommended government guidance, the fact so many drivers are being caught out implies it isn’t as good as it could be.
“We urge Norfolk County Council to be fair on drivers by investigating the cause and taking any necessary action.”
Despite these concerns, the council maintains that the camera was correctly installed and points to unsuccessful appeals as confirmation.
The council also stated that the revenue from fines is used to “offset the costs of running the enforcement service, with any surplus reinvested into highways and transport services in Norfolk”.
