Penalty charge

[parris]

I live outside London where we do not have bus lanes. I had to go to Harrow a couple of weeks ago. It was a Sunday afternoon. I have rec'd a penalty notice for being in the bus lane at some stage of my journey. Could I be excused as I was new in the area an ignorant of the fact that you can not drive in the bus lane at any time. Please advise.

Thanks

Parris

[Buenchico]

The simple answer to your question has to be 'No'.

All drivers are expected to read the traffic signs they encounter on their journeys. Every bus lane is clearly marked with appropriate signs. Some bus lanes only operate during certain hours but, unless specific times are shown, other vehicles are prohibited at all times.

If you failed to spot a 'No Entry' sign, and drove the wrong way down a street, you couldn't expect your lack of familiarity with the area to provide a valid defence. Similarly, I couldn't expect a be able to breach motorway rules just because I live at leat 50 miles away from the nearest motorway.

Bus lanes are clearly explained in the Highway Code which, although it doesn't directly have legal standing, is something which all drivers are expected to be familiar with:
http://www.highwaycode.gov.uk/11.htm#120

Chris

[bednobs]

no, you cant, as there would have been signs. Are you seriously sayin g you've never encountered a bus lane before?

[markja]

check what times the bus lane is opperational. i've had parking tickets issued by camera opperators that were wrongly issued. i just send them a letter saying wrongly issued because.........
be quick so you stay within the discounted time period though.