Warning to Birmingham drivers as Broad Street £60 bus lane fines to be enforced from December 1

The restrictions were introduced in 2022, when the metro extension to Five Ways was opened.

The council said that, regrettably, some people are continuing to drive and stop in these lanes, causing delays to bus and metro services.

The authority will therefore be using camera enforcement to issue fines to those drivers.

It is illegal to drive in a bus lane during its hours of operation, regardless of whether or not there are enforcement cameras.

However, these restrictions will now be regularly enforced with motorists breaching the restrictions liable to a fixed penalty notice of £60.

Cllr Majid Mahmood, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “This is about keeping the city moving and motorists who illegally travel in bus lanes have a serious impact on journey times for bus, Metro and taxi passengers. This congestion then has an adverse impact on the environment.

“It is not about trying to catch people out, it is about keeping motorists out of the bus lanes, so buses and trams can run smoothly which in turn encourages people to get out of their cars and use public transport.

“The restrictions have been in place for around three years but unfortunately too many motorists think it doesn’t apply to them and that they can drive where they like, so we will now be enforcing them.

“Even if we don’t collect a single penny, I will count the enforcement as a success because it will mean people have heeded our message and are obeying the law. However, any fines that are collected can only be spent on projects to improve the city’s transport.”

Anthony Stanley, head of operations and safety with West Midlands Metro, said: “The actions of inconsiderate motorists blocking tram lines have led to service delays and significant inconvenience for our passengers. We support the enforcement efforts of our council partners, as ensuring the smooth operation of public transport is in everyone’s best interest. We don’t want to see anyone fined but to encourage them to comply with the rules and keep the routes clear for services to run efficiently for all.”

Broad Street bus lanes and bus gates operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. General traffic is not permitted to proceed:

• In an into city direction or out of city direction through the underpass linking the Broad Street to Hagley Road (buses and trams are the only permitted vehicles).
• In an into city direction on Broad Street between its intersection with Sheepcote Street and Berkley Street (buses, trams and taxis (black cabs) are the only permitted vehicles. Bicycles are allowed to use the section from Sheepcote Street to access Granville Street).
• In an out of city direction on Broad Street between its intersection with Berkley Street and its intersection with Granville Street (buses, trams and taxis (black cabs) are the only permitted vehicles).
• Through any section of the tram and bus interchange at Centenary Square (buses, trams bicycles, and taxis (black cabs) are the only permitted vehicles).