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3,000 motorists fined for driving through King's Park (From Bournemouth Echo)
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3,000 motorists fined for driving through King's Park
9:00am Friday 27th November 2009
THE number of fines handed out to motorists for driving through King's Park, Boscombe, has topped 3,000 – potentially bringing in nearly £200,000 to council coffers.
A total of 3,269 fines worth £60 each have been dished out to drivers in the past three weeks, potentially netting the council £196,140.
But the controversy surrounding the Gloucester Road bus lane shows no sign of abating.
Following allegations that the signs do not meet Department for Transport rules, almost 300 people have appealed against their fines.
One person has already had their fine cancelled after a case of mistaken identity. The council said the fact that it was dark contributed to an error with the automated number plate recognition system.
And questions have also been asked as to whether the council was legally entitled to suspend enforcement and allow all traffic to use the route following AFC Bournemouth’s match on Tuesday.
The Traffic Regulation Order states that all vehicles except for local buses and pedal bikes are banned from the bus lane at all times.
But on Tuesday, signs stating “bus lane suspended” and “bus lane stopped” were put up and motorists allowed to leave Dean Court via Gloucester Road.
Cllr Robert Lawton, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “The route through the park is strictly a bus and cycle route only. It is regrettable that motorists are regularly choosing to ignore the clear signage and restrictions at Kings Park and are therefore continuing to receive penalty charge notices.
“We certainly do not wish to issue penalty charge notices to drivers and would much rather they follow the clearly signposted diversionary routes.”
The council insists it has installed all the signs required by law, along with extra signs warning motorists that an enforcement camera is operating.
The council also confirmed that the income from the fines is ring-fenced to fund the provision of the service and the surplus will be used to fund traffic and transport improvements.
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Your Say YourEcho
GB916, christchurch says...
9:21am Fri 27 Nov 09
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At this rate Bournemouth council are gonna have a bumper christmas cos of the so far 3000+ dumb motorists
ferret38, bournemouth says...
9:22am Fri 27 Nov 09
ferret38, bournemouth says...
9:23am Fri 27 Nov 09
ferret38 wrote:@ chris WWW
Are you a jobsworth that works for the council ?
GB916, christchurch says...
9:25am Fri 27 Nov 09
ferret38 wrote:No they are not jobsworths that work for the council and nor am i,we are people who can read and actually keep to the rules and obey signs,have you been caught by the camera's tourself,is that ehy you are so upset?
Are you a jobsworth that works for the council ?
ferret38, bournemouth says...
9:31am Fri 27 Nov 09
bisadave, Bournemouth says...
9:39am Fri 27 Nov 09
I don't think having a diversion sign for Boscombe on the Spur Rd sliproad directing drivers into the park was 'adequate' and obviously the council didn't think so either as they eventually removed it (yes, I do have photos to back this up).
Neither did the council think the warning signs in the park were 'adequate' as they eventualy put up clearer signage at the entry to Kings Park after protestations.
But 'adequate' and 'compliant' is all the signage can be described as. Helpful and clear are not words that you would associate with the signage.
When you are opening a gate to a public park when other routes are
blocked, why not go that extra mile and put big clear warning signs through the park making it crystal clear that although the gate is open, you cannot use it.
The words 'Buses and Cycles Only - Anyone Else Will Be Fined' in big letters would be a start!
Having spoken to several people driving through the gate, it was pretty clear that most did not realise they had done anything wrong. Many thought they were following the diversion or were just lost.
Maybe some of the perfect drivers on here ought to try reading road signs whilst lost in heavy rain. Who can honestly say that they can identify every road sign in the highway code?
Obviously in their perfect world, we all would.
inyerpocket, Boscombe says...
9:52am Fri 27 Nov 09
Cynical Moi?
Adrian Fudge, Bournemouth says...
10:06am Fri 27 Nov 09
bisadave wrote:Absolutley spot on
So in the first few weeks the signage was 'adequate', was it? I don't think having a diversion sign for Boscombe on the Spur Rd sliproad directing drivers into the park was 'adequate' and obviously the council didn't think so either as they eventually removed it (yes, I do have photos to back this up). Neither did the council think the warning signs in the park were 'adequate' as they eventualy put up clearer signage at the entry to Kings Park after protestations. But 'adequate' and 'compliant' is all the signage can be described as. Helpful and clear are not words that you would associate with the signage. When you are opening a gate to a public park when other routes are blocked, why not go that extra mile and put big clear warning signs through the park making it crystal clear that although the gate is open, you cannot use it. The words 'Buses and Cycles Only - Anyone Else Will Be Fined' in big letters would be a start! Having spoken to several people driving through the gate, it was pretty clear that most did not realise they had done anything wrong. Many thought they were following the diversion or were just lost. Maybe some of the perfect drivers on here ought to try reading road signs whilst lost in heavy rain. Who can honestly say that they can identify every road sign in the highway code? Obviously in their perfect world, we all would.
Having said that I invite all the people who have posted above who think the signs comply to inform me , and other motorists ,the difference between the signage for a Bus Gate that you can legally drive through and a Bus Only lane and point me in the direction of where this is in Gloucester Road. If you are unable to do this I do not know how you can ctritisize anyone that has driven through there
The signage is NOT in accordance with DOT recommendations and is therefore not enforceable
Probably in the end this arguement will only be settled with a legal ruling in the courts and it will be interesting to see that decision.
If that decision substantiates that the motorists were within their rights I trust the critics will appologise but as usual I doubt that will happen
mskip, Bournemouth says...
10:11am Fri 27 Nov 09
One clear sign on the entrance barrier saying "No Private Cars Past this Point" would have avoided all this controversy.
I imagine all the signs in place do comply with legislation. But common sense has once again in council operations, been ignored in the face of glaring evidence of a problem. The council is using the usual bureaucrats' legalistic cover to conceal the fact they are entrapping local tax payers, hopefully not deliberately. Do they not think they have a duty of care to protect those tax payers from what is so obviously an inadequately thought out system?
WOC, Christchurch says...
10:11am Fri 27 Nov 09
Oh and no I don't work for the council before you start but I can read signs and have stayed well away from Boscombe since these works started.
retired lady, Bournemouth says...
10:38am Fri 27 Nov 09
retired lady, Bournemouth says...
10:45am Fri 27 Nov 09
BNM, says...
10:49am Fri 27 Nov 09
No problem, I thought, drawing on my memory of the area. I headed to King's Park with the intention of going via Southbourne (I used to live in Southbourne Road). I got as far as the race track when the road just kind of ran out.
Hmm. So then I noticed the road that, if memory served, would take me to Boscombe. I dimly recall seeing a sign saying 'No Access to Gloucester Road' but, having no idea where that was, I carried on.
Back in London a week later, I had the letter from Bournemouth enclosing the shot of us in the bus lane.
I have no problem with that. Guilty as charged. But with one road closed, one dug up and another turned into a bus lane, I have no idea how I could have got to Boscombe. I was only there for the weekend.
[Chris], WWW says...
11:09am Fri 27 Nov 09
ferret38 wrote:No chance ferret38. I am just a person who knows right from wrong. I am a person who has seen the signage in place for the rerouting and road closures. I am a person who would have realised after 3000 people have been reported of being fined, due to driving through to Gloucester Road would avoid going through that road.
ferret38 wrote:@ chris WWW
Are you a jobsworth that works for the council ?
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What is not recognised here is the fact that plenty of warning was given to the Ashley Road closure, and the alternative routes to access Boscombe. However, the Kings Park roads were not part of that rerouting or a diversion for all traffic.
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The signage is adequate, regardless of what Adrian Fudge may think, or insist on proving. The proof is in the evidence of the signs, and the evidence that even after all this time and fines, people are stilling trying to avoid the issue, and drive along the Bus Route which is more than clearly marked.
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What I laugh at is the fact that Gloucester Road is, and for a long time, has been a NO THROUGH ROAD to Kings Park. Access to Gloucester Road for those who live there has been via Christchurch Road, and roads leading onto Gloucester Road, other than the Kings Park Drive, which is closed normally. So why now do people think they can drive down there, although it has never been published as a diversion route, and is adequately signed for Buses and Cyclists.
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If you read my comments, invariably I do not back the Council, but on the other hand I do if they are not at fault. This time they are not at fault. The fault lies with those who have not listened to the publicised information, do not look for the signs, and ultimately flout the laws to suit themselves.
jobsworthwatch, Bournemouth says...
11:11am Fri 27 Nov 09
Dibbles2, Bournemouth says...
11:22am Fri 27 Nov 09
ferret38 wrote:Clearly they are robbing people?????? Why is that then. The signs are legal, people are breaking the law???? Am I missing something there. PS I believe ferrets like holes! There is no need to be rude on this sight.
Nope havent been caught by the camera at all , just cant understand why you fools are backing up the council when clearly they are robbing people , So get back in your hole !!
GB916, christchurch says...
11:25am Fri 27 Nov 09
ferret38 wrote:At least when i come out of my hole,i obey road signs and UK law,shame the idiots that have been fined,dont when they come out of there holes,and fools backing up the council who are robbing people,your so funny,the fools are the people who cant read,i meen this has been said time and time again,no access to kings park except buses and cycles,i think there should be an additional sign on the exit to each end of the bus route saying,another dumb car driver,who willbe £60 worse off shortly,but i guess you fit in with the people braking the rules,you only obey laws and rules that suit you,hopefully the council will top the 1million pound fine mark by the end of the road works.And signs not adequate,rubbish,jus
Nope havent been caught by the camera at all , just cant understand why you fools are backing up the council when clearly they are robbing people , So get back in your hole !!
t an excuse to avoid paying a fine,same as speeders,oh it 3am in the morning what harm am i doing,or im an experienced driver,fools and there money the ones that disobey the signs ha ha ha
Lord Spring, says...
11:25am Fri 27 Nov 09
Dibbles2, Bournemouth says...
11:26am Fri 27 Nov 09
jobsworthwatch wrote:No stick to the law and you wont get caught! Simple! How else were they meant to enforce the restrictions? Spend tax paters money taking them all to court??? They should be thankful they are not getting points too as surely by now there would be a few banned drivers!!!!
Dosn't the whole issue just make you want to hate your local public servants?
doubletop, bournemouth says...
11:41am Fri 27 Nov 09
BackOfTheNet, Boscombe says...
11:45am Fri 27 Nov 09
I tried to stop a couple of cars going through to tell them they'd get fined but was told where to go! That doesn't suggest to me that these people are doing anything other than deliberately breaking the law.
Perhaps our local paper should send a reporter down there to ask a few drivers how they passed a test without being able to read or understand the roadsigns? Just make sure you don't print the colourful language ;)
simonhumby, bournemouth says...
11:48am Fri 27 Nov 09
- and the money thus saved from the traffic and transport budget will be used to fund what exactly?
Laurie H Marsh, brisbane says...
12:01pm Fri 27 Nov 09
simonhumby wrote:A new ice-rink of course!
"The council also confirmed that the income from the fines is ring-fenced to fund the provision of the service and the surplus will be used to fund traffic and transport improvements" - and the money thus saved from the traffic and transport budget will be used to fund what exactly?
simonhumby, bournemouth says...
12:13pm Fri 27 Nov 09
Laurie H Marsh wrote:no - that won't need funding - selling off more of our park will generate money for the council. I expect they'll find some worthy cause...
simonhumby wrote:A new ice-rink of course!
"The council also confirmed that the income from the fines is ring-fenced to fund the provision of the service and the surplus will be used to fund traffic and transport improvements" - and the money thus saved from the traffic and transport budget will be used to fund what exactly?
On a totally unrelated point though, have you noticed how the council pensions bill rises year after year?
Southbourne man, Bournemouth says...
12:18pm Fri 27 Nov 09
What a disgrace it would be if the Police authority have had to pay Bournemouth Council some fines already.
The irate commuter, says...
12:33pm Fri 27 Nov 09
ferret38 wrote:Is the Pope a catholic ?
ferret38 wrote: Are you a jobsworth that works for the council ?@ chris WWW
Dibbles2, Bournemouth says...
12:40pm Fri 27 Nov 09
Lord Spring wrote:Thats perfectly reasonable as it goes past a school but no doubt the speed limit will be ignored anyway. All other schools in the area have speed humps outside but it would not be reasonable to put them on ashley Road, so I guess a speed limit is the only alternative. Wont kill people to slow down for half a mile and I am sure it wont prevent them from getting to their destination any faster either by the time they hit traffic lights in Boscombe.
Wait until Ashley Road reopens and see how much the Council have narrowed it down, I suspect it will be a 20 mph speed limit as well no fault of the bridge.
djd, bournemouth says...
12:50pm Fri 27 Nov 09
There have been many comments on various stories about the standard of driving in the area.
This says it all.
djd, bournemouth says...
1:14pm Fri 27 Nov 09
oneshortleg, kinson says...
1:17pm Fri 27 Nov 09
charley farley west parley, bournemouth says...
3:29pm Fri 27 Nov 09
samsmith, Dorset says...
3:40pm Fri 27 Nov 09
doubletop wrote:I doubt it... my guess is that they're getting less in rates with the recession happening.
Does all this extra money coming in mean we will see a reduction in council tax bills next year
Seems like a good idea to bring in more revenue, or just make the park into a toll road so if you're desperate to take a short cut, you can.
BNM, says...
3:43pm Fri 27 Nov 09
Might it be that with 3,000+ people falling victim to this fine so far, the signage is perhaps less than clear? I can't believe people are deliberately driving along this stretch of road out of sheer bloody-mindedness.
[Chris], WWW says...
3:47pm Fri 27 Nov 09
The irate commuter wrote:At least you are right on one thing, yest the Pope is a Catholic, but as I have said before, I do not work for the Council, so that part is wrong. Incidentally, have you been up the A338 lately. It is flowing quite well now. Of course you knew that because you have stopped complaining.
ferret38 wrote:Is the Pope a catholic ?
ferret38 wrote: Are you a jobsworth that works for the council ?@ chris WWW
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Oneshortleg, Kinson: There is no discrimination. Kings Park is closed to through traffic for a reason. The access of traffic via Gloucester Road which is normally closed anyway. This has been opened to allow buses and cyclists to pass through. I am assuming that traffic using the facilities within the park can enter via the usual entrances, which is not Gloucester Road.
Limestone, Bournemouth says...
3:54pm Fri 27 Nov 09
akatek, Bournemouth says...
4:42pm Fri 27 Nov 09
Bad luck! but it does serve a useful purpose; simple observation shows that many also drive at murderous speed through this public park provided for recreational use by all ages.
Any idea of reopening Kings Park Drive permanently to all traffic is thus clearly out of the question.
alumchineboy2, alumchine says...
7:00pm Fri 27 Nov 09
Or, as someone said they were doing which I really disapprove of and should not be done in any way at all...........put made up number plates your cars copied from council lorries and drive through hundreds of times each day ?
How awful some people are.........
inyerpocket, Boscombe says...
7:26pm Fri 27 Nov 09
Mike Pickering, Bournemouth says...
3:09am Sat 28 Nov 09
Stuff the bus companies with their ugly boxy, smokey noisy machines and the special rules and lanes they demand - make them use the road that we all pay for in the same way we all do, no privileges.
Close the park to buses NOW.
They dangerous, they look crap, they're full of old people and chavs, and are operated by desperately unhappy - if rather skilled people who would honestly be happier doing something else.
Joke, southbourne says...
7:19am Sat 28 Nov 09
TOLL ROAD £60 FEE
They will soon stop(may be)
clarkmed, Boscombe says...
9:56am Sat 28 Nov 09
r50mini, Blandford says...
10:59am Sat 28 Nov 09
There again it is easy money for the money grabbing overpaid councils, to pay for their over inflated salaries and expenses.
It is time that rather than persecuting motorists they provided a reasonable level of service, as the motorist must pay more to Govt and Councils in taxes.
inyerpocket, Boscombe says...
9:03pm Sat 28 Nov 09
Laurie H Marsh, brisbane says...
10:57am Sun 29 Nov 09
inyerpocket wrote:That sounds like a very deep, meaningful comment!
the main problem with leading lions with donkeys is the lions will bite back and survive. trouble with the donkeys, revolution will take them fast,
Would you please explain the end of the comment that starts with "trouble with the donkeys...."
rotcoddam, pokesdown says...
10:33pm Sun 29 Nov 09
The problem is that over 3,000 residents are too stupid to see it or understand it.
One can only hope that these residents will remember at the next council elections that their representatives think they are stupid.
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[Chris], WWW says...
9:17am Fri 27 Nov 09
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Personally, knowing the amount of traffic that exits Dean Court on a home game, it was good traffic management to open up Gloucester Road to traffic. The number of cars probably not being far off those already fined for abusing the traffic laws set up for the Ashley Road Bridge project.
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The ironic thing about this is that there was ample time prior to the commencement of this project to offer ideas and comments on a traffic system to illeviate the problems arising. One of them being a through road opening of Kings Park Drive and Gloucester Road. Remember it was not the Council who was at fault, but the FOKP and other groups who did not want this.
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Never mind, there is only 22 days to go.