9:00am Friday 27th November 2009
By Melanie Vass
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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