Bus Lane PCN

Chauffeur

I got a PCN for driving in a bus lane in Reading. I drove very short stretch about 10m in a bus lane. I had 1 bus and 2 mini buses in front on me so I couldn't see signs and road properly in front of me. It was right after the turning in to Southcote lane from Bath road. When have noticed I was in a bus lane it was too late. I also choose to follow the traffic to avoid road narrowing in front of me. I have noticed bus lanes signs to be quite small and there are no camera warning signs anywhere. Would that be enough to appeal?

DUTR

Chauffeur wrote: »

I got a PCN for driving in a bus lane in Reading. I drove very short stretch about 10m in a bus lane. I had 1 bus and 2 mini buses in front on me so I couldn't see signs and road properly in front of me. It was right after the turning in to Southcote lane from Bath road. When have noticed I was in a bus lane it was too late. I also choose to follow the traffic to avoid road narrowing in front of me. I have noticed bus lanes signs to be quite small and there are no camera warning signs anywhere. Would that be enough to appeal?

NOPE!
There will be various indications that it's a bus lane eg solid white line.
Isn't the notice from the council?

Browntoa

Big blue sign as you turn left saying bus Lane

White lined bus Lane with island on right of bus Lane.

I'd say well marked

https://www.google.com/maps/@51.4480901,-0.9953801,3a,75y,157.68h,87.2t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sbF-9t5pa0y52XXIpIgKeHg!2e0 Check out Reading, England Shared via the #StreetView app

Car_54

According to StreetView, you must have passed two bus lane signs, both of the standard size. There is no need for a camera warning sign.

Hermione_Granger

Chauffeur wrote: »

I had 1 bus and 2 mini buses in front on me so I couldn't see signs and road properly in front of me.

If you couldn't see road signs in front of you then surely you were driving too close to the vehicles in front of you.

Chauffeur

Yes it is from Council. Interesting I have appealed to them and as expected they reject it. In justification they wrote:
"There are signs on approach to the bus lane on Southcote Lane (Southbound) which
indicate that traffic enforcement cameras are in operation in this area and can be
clearly seen by drivers when approaching the area. The decision remains with the
driver to act upon information given to them through traffic signs and road markings,
as stipulated in the Highway Code. The signage indicates that access is only for
buses and cycles. Other vehicles must use an alternative route. lt is the motorist's
responsibility to abide by the signs when driving."

Its interesting because I have checked there isn't a single sign indicating there is any enforcement camera in place. Why would they put it if it doesnt matter?

Belenus

Chauffeur wrote: »

I got a PCN for driving in a bus lane in Reading. I drove very short stretch about 10m in a bus lane. I had 1 bus and 2 mini buses in front on me so I couldn't see signs and road properly in front of me. It was right after the turning in to Southcote lane from Bath road. When have noticed I was in a bus lane it was too late. I also choose to follow the traffic to avoid road narrowing in front of me. I have noticed bus lanes signs to be quite small and there are no camera warning signs anywhere. Would that be enough to appeal?

Read that bit back to yourself.

I'm sorry Judge, I couldn't see the signs and road properly in front of me but I carried on driving anyway.

foxy-stoat

I managed to overturn a similar PCN due to 1 word that was incorrect in the PCN letter.

neilmcl

Chauffeur wrote: »

I got a PCN for driving in a bus lane in Reading. I drove very short stretch about 10m in a bus lane. I had 1 bus and 2 mini buses in front on me so I couldn't see signs and road properly in front of me. It was right after the turning in to Southcote lane from Bath road. When have noticed I was in a bus lane it was too late. I also choose to follow the traffic to avoid road narrowing in front of me. I have noticed bus lanes signs to be quite small and there are no camera warning signs anywhere. Would that be enough to appeal?

Says it all really.

bigisi

I do hope OP's username isn't also their profession

Car_54

Chauffeur wrote: »

Yes it is from Council. Interesting I have appealed to them and as expected they reject it. In justification they wrote:
"There are signs on approach to the bus lane on Southcote Lane (Southbound) which
indicate that traffic enforcement cameras are in operation in this area and can be
clearly seen by drivers when approaching the area. The decision remains with the
driver to act upon information given to them through traffic signs and road markings,
as stipulated in the Highway Code. The signage indicates that access is only for
buses and cycles. Other vehicles must use an alternative route. lt is the motorist's
responsibility to abide by the signs when driving."

Its interesting because I have checked there isn't a single sign indicating there is any enforcement camera in place. Why would they put it if it doesnt matter?

Only they can answer that. The important thing is that it really doesn't matter - there is no need for signs.