I have just received a penalty charge which includes a photo of my car just entering the bus lane. The bus lane is about thirty metres long and there is no other car in site or bus in the lane..
I honestly wasn't aware that you could be charged for entering an empty bus lane. Serves me right doesn't it? I won't do it again!
Presumably you also think it's Ok to drive on the pavement if there are no pedestrians about, and the the wrong way up a one-way street as long as no-ones coming down it?
Whilst the charge will be upheld I can see that if the road was clear other drivers may not stop to let her pull out, and cars behind can bully you into ploughing on through the short bus lane
On my way to work at the traffic lights to turn left the road turns into a bus lane about 100 metres from the lights and continues all way to lights. To turn left you HAVE to go into the bus lane.
You could always write and appeal if you think you were not in breach of the Bus Lane Regulations. There will be a sign to display the times of day the Bus Lane is in operation. Go back to the spot on foot and see if its there. IF not you might have grounds. But by the sounds of it you have no defence and the penalty will apply.
Non-payment will only invite a further penalty and court action so pay up promptly within the time stated on the communication you've received.
Its always a bit of a shock when you get zapped by these cameras but by tomorrow you'll realise you're one of the many people they catch each day across the country and we're not all staring at you!
I'll go and have a look for any signs but I suspect that as it was 12.05 pm, then the restriction will be if force. It's probably nighttime when it may be without restrictions.
I will pay the fine, as I'm a scaredy cat.
As I said earlier, I will not do it again.
Flippin' eck!
I went to pay my £30.00 fine today and the lady behind the grille told me that a member of that department had been caught in the bus lane three times in one week.
How did they know you were not a mum and toddler? And wasn't there any other place to park? I would have thought they would be glad of any shoppers to buy their goods, but there you go. I also think you should not park in the disabled bays, but do wonder about the parent and children. After all I could say I was the mother (aged 85 nearly) and my daughter (aged 54 or thereabouts although she won't admit to it) was the child.
I've already paid it. I rang them, Euro Car Parks and paid by the automated service.
I made a fuss at Sainsbury's but they said it was not their responsibility. The duty manager even escorted me to the car park and showed me the official notices. I didn't think I could just ignore it, so I paid.
I got the parking charge notice whilst I was doing my stint in the charity shop. Flippin' 'eck.