Specialists are warning drivers that councils are contemplating to extend bus lanes fines from £20 to £150

Drivers have been warned they may quickly see a rise in fines for driving in bus lanes as councils start to crack down on motorists driving illegally.

Motoring consultants at Snooper are urging all drivers to brush up on the Freeway Code guidelines surrounding bus lanes to keep away from penalty cost notices and hefty fines.

It comes after the information that Studying and Hampshire councils are contemplating growing the penalty for drivers utilizing bus lanes, from £20 to £150.

Many drivers are unaware of the principles surrounding bus lanes up and down the nation, inflicting them to obtain expensive surprising fines.

Even driving in a bus lane for just a few seconds accidentally might nonetheless see motorists issued with a positive from the native council.

All bus lanes within the UK have blue indicators to point out their instances of operation, throughout which solely buses can use the lanes.

If there aren’t any instances or dates displayed on the signal, drivers should be conscious that the bus lane is in operation 24/7 and can’t be used at any time.

Motorists have been warned to maintain an eye fixed out for any bus lane signage signalling when different autos might use that lane, else they might be topic to penalty fines.

Utilizing the bus lane throughout authorised hours helps to ease up visitors congestion as extra lanes are freed up for highway customers – so it stays vital to utilize all lanes when it’s authorized to take action.

Gary Digva, the visionary behind Snooper cautioned drivers to keep away from bus lanes, else not solely danger a hefty positive however forestall inflicting severe accidents, congestion for buses and halting emergency autos from getting by way of.

He stated that too many motorists are abusing bus lanes to undertake others and keep away from queuing, which is why councils are contemplating growing the positive for unauthorised autos utilizing them.

Mr Digva, stated: “It’s comprehensible why councils are contemplating growing the fines for these driving in bus lanes exterior of authorised hours.

“Not solely does it go in opposition to the Freeway Code, however severe incidents can happen, all for simply shaving off a few minutes to keep away from sitting in queuing visitors.

“It’s irritating to see an open lane to the left of you fully freed from any buses or different autos while you must wait – however bus lanes are there for a purpose. Not solely to prioritise bus schedules however to additionally enable emergency companies to journey by way of rapidly.

“With the information that the positive for driving by way of bus lanes might be elevated throughout the nation, drivers do want to stay conscious of the principles for after they can and may’t accomplish that.

“All the time be careful for a blue signal alongside the lane telling you the authorised days and hours when automobiles are in a position to make use of the bus lane. Keep in mind that if there aren’t any instances displayed on the signal then the bus lane is operational in any respect hours.

“And for those who’re nonetheless unsure it’s advisable to remain exterior the bus lane till you may totally verify the authorised instances – even for those who see others doing so.”