Could I be fined for driving here?

JamesFromSomewhere

I was driving here with a friend, having a little lesson and I turned right here. I couldn't really see the road markings well, so I assumed it was telling me where this was taking me. Its Marlborough Place in Brighton. further back it has destinations painted on the road. Hove/London ect. So as i turned, I then noticed what it said. Before I could reverse out, other cars (Taxis) were behind me so I could only go straight ahead. At the next junction, there are signs warning that its Bus, taxis and bikes only, as well as a sign for cameras, a 'bus gate' and a mandatory left sign "Except for bus taxis and cycles". I went left here and got back onto the main road.

Could I get a ticket or is it only the next section I could be ticketed? I'm from Yorkshire so I don't normally use these roads. My friend (full license) with me isn't sure if we can be ticketed.

SiliconChip

I think it may need someone with current local knowledge to advise you as the information to be gleaned from Streetview is rather contradictory: a 2019 image doesn't show the writing on the road, but one from October 2020 does and there's also a temporary sign (yellow with black writing) saying "Bus gates now live". I don't see any images that show destinations on the road in Marlborough Place or further back in Old Steine, other than lane markings for A23 and A27 just before the junction, even from as recently as 2023. Google Maps shows the traffic flow arrow as one way southbound on the section of Marlborough Place that you turned into. It seems likely that you've broken a traffic rule, but whether it's covered by cameras that will result in a NIP being issued I can't say from here.

swingaloo

If there are cameras then yes its highly likely you will be fined. It happened to me in central Manchester, strange road, busy traffic, dark and raining but no excuse.

JamesFromSomewhere

SiliconChip said:

I think it may need someone with current local knowledge to advise you as the information to be gleaned from Streetview is rather contradictory: a 2019 image doesn't show the writing on the road, but one from October 2020 does and there's also a temporary sign (yellow with black writing) saying "Bus gates now live". I don't see any images that show destinations on the road in Marlborough Place or further back in Old Steine, other than lane markings for A23 and A27 just before the junction, even from as recently as 2023. Google Maps shows the traffic flow arrow as one way southbound on the section of Marlborough Place that you turned into. It seems likely that you've broken a traffic rule, but whether it's covered by cameras that will result in a NIP being issued I can't say from here.

swingaloo said:

If there are cameras then yes its highly likely you will be fined. It happened to me in central Manchester, strange road, busy traffic, dark and raining but no excuse.

Thank you. I think it would be harsh as the lane markings aren't easily readable before you enter the road. It's only once you approach it and by then it's too late. Also no signs or other warnings until the next section where it's made very clear you can't enter. I'm hoping we were fine and nothing will come of it.

JamesFromSomewhere

Looking at the dashcam footage, there are loading bays with regular cars parked in them. This photo is where I turned right to get out of this lane. It has a 'bus gate' and clear signage that I can't be in those lanes. There was also cameras which I clearly saw when waiting for the light to go green. I didn't see any in the section I drove so fingers crossed I'm ok. Thank you.

Barkin

Myself, I wouldn't worry. 

You can't do anything about it, other than pay the fine if you get one. 

Mildly_Miffed

Think of a bus gate as a really short bus lane. No, you can't go in it in your private car.

The satellite shot makes it very clear that not only CAN you turn right, but you MUST turn right. If you turned right, all is good.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/uwqBWKi5SeHFDqAa6

There's also a very clear "OTHER TRAFFIC" right turn arrow on the road surface a short distance back, and undoubtedly roadside signage, although the Google Streetview car seems not to have been that way lately, perhaps for obvious reasons.

Your first shot shows you turned into a section with "BUS TAXI ACCESS ONLY" painted on the road surface, at that the Church Street junction, the only access into that section, after following the roadside "LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY" sign in favour of "OTHER TRAFFIC" straight on.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/xTEVYDp3gpFG4u82A

If this is the kind of observation your friend is teaching you, I suggest you skip driving lessons with them and go with an instructor with a clue instead, if you want a hope at passing your test then keeping your licence.

Mutton_Geoff

JamesFromSomewhere said:

I'm from Yorkshire so I don't normally use these roads.

Don't put that in any statement you may have to ever make. In police-speak, that is admitting to "driving without due care and attention".