Sunderland motorists face hefty fines as new bus gate enforcement kicks in

Sunderland City Council introduced the enforcement cameras at a new ‘bus only’ section of Holmeside

Thousands of drivers have been hit with fines after a new 'bus gate' was introduced in Sunderland city centre. The enforcement cameras were installed by Sunderland City Council at a new 'bus only' section of Holmeside, which became operational on April 1, 2024, following a two-week grace period.

Buses now have priority along Holmeside through to Vine Place, with a new clockwise gyratory directing traffic from Holmeside onto Maritime Street.

A new road link has been established through the site of the former Peacock’s store onto Brougham Street, adjacent to The Bridges. This directs traffic onto Waterloo Place and back onto Holmeside in an easterly direction.

Sunderland City Council has installed the latest 'bus lane enforcement' cameras under national legislation, enabling them to issue penalty charge notices (PCNs) to vehicles violating traffic restrictions. The ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) camera footage is scrutinised by officers to identify any breaches, with drivers potentially facing a £70 PCN.

However, this fine can be reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days or contested via an appeal process. During a two-week grace period starting Monday, March 18, 2024, the council issued warning notices instead of fines, resulting in 2,230 warnings.

Between Monday, April 1, 2024, and Sunday, September 29, 2024, Sunderland City Council confirmed the total number of PCNs issued over the first six months of the bus gate. This included 5,072 ‘regulation 10’ PCNs generating approximately £102,092.55 for the local authority, with these funds earmarked for highways, transport and environmental projects.

Of the 5,072 PCNs, the council confirmed it had received appeals in 686 cases, although the outcomes are currently unknown.

Previously, the proposed traffic changes at Holmeside were hailed by city leaders as a strategy to enhance public transport infrastructure, aiming to "increase accessibility and safety" while complementing the public realm developments near the city's revamped central railway station. However, as early as 2022, when the plans were in their formative stage, the call for a traffic regulation order raised eyebrows amongst some local businesses.

Concerns were voiced that the potential gyratory and bus gate could have an "isolating" effect on their trade.

During a debate where planning permission was granted for the road linking Brougham Street and Maritime Terrace, there were voiced concerns about the potential for the new traffic system to turn Blandford Street into an "island". The bus gate at Holmeside is part of this larger gyratory scheme, designed to prioritise buses on their route from Holmeside through to Vine Place.

Access restrictions are in place on the stretch of Holmeside next to TK Maxx, extending up to the Hays Travel building at Vine Place. Signage at the bus gate warns that traffic enforcement cameras are operational, clearly stating that only buses, cycles, and taxis can use the one-way system, while 'no entry' signs mark the other end of the bus gate area.

Sunderland City Council's website notes that the enforcement cameras do not monitor speeding offences. In a statement, Sunderland City Council emphasised that any revenue from penalty charge notices is strictly earmarked for expenditure on "highways, public transport and environmental projects".

The council elaborated: "The bus gate cameras at Holmeside were installed to enhance road safety, better bus journey times, and ensure adherence to the rules and regulations vital for our roads and highways. Encouraging the use of public transport like buses supports sustainability, and by improving punctuality and journey times, we make buses a more appealing option for both residents and visitors, thereby contributing to reduced carbon emissions. Any income generated by bus lane... PCNs from cameras can only be used for further works on highways, public transport and environmental projects."

For more information on the Holmeside bus gate and rules and regulations, visit Sunderland City Council’s website.

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