Motorists facing fines as bus lane enforcement begins on A259
East Sussex County Council introduces new bus lane enforcement measures on busy A259 to improve traffic flow and public transport reliability
East Sussex motorists driving in bus lanes on two sections of the A259 will face fines as new enforcement measures take effect. The enforcement, which started on 6 May, aims to improve bus travel reliability and reduce congestion.
The bus lanes in St Leonards and Telscombe Cliffs will be monitored by a digital camera system, operating 24 hours a day. Motorists caught using these lanes illegally will be issued a £70 penalty charge notice.
Cllr Claire Dowling, lead member for transport at East Sussex County Council, said: “The misuse of bus lanes affects journey times for passengers and the reliability of public transport, as well as being frustrating for those motorists who follow the regulations.”
She added, “Enforcing these bus lanes on such a key coastal route will help to ease congestion and improve air quality by encouraging people to make use of the more reliable bus services.”
In St Leonards, the enforceable bus lane extends from the start of Grand Parade to the westernmost Warrior Square junction. In Telscombe Cliffs, the bus lane runs along the South Coast Road from the junction of Ambleside Avenue to the border of Brighton & Hove. The bus lanes are clearly marked with road signs and solid white lines separating them from regular traffic.
While enforcement began on 6 May, drivers will initially receive warning notices. The revenue from penalty charge notices will be used to fund the installation, maintenance, and operation of the scheme, with any surplus being reinvested in local transport projects.