A bus gate is a signposted stretch of road which can only be used by public transport and (where specified) taxis and other authorised vehicles. They have been introduced to reduce traffic while still giving residents access to public transport.
A traffic camera records details of all vehicles using the road. An unauthorised vehicle travelling through a bus gate will receive a
penalty charge notice.
Bus Gate locations
There is a bus gate in Ghyllgrove, Basildon, linking the Festival Leisure Park with the Ghyllgrove residential area, and in Gunson Gate, Chelmsford, giving access to the residential area.
Bus gates are signposted at either end of the stretch of road that is subject to the restriction. The sign also states which types of vehicle are permitted to pass through. A Traffic Regulation Order exists for each site.
Penalty charge notices
Penalty charge notices for bus gates are enforced by Essex County Council.
The standard charge is £60, but if payment is made within 14 days this is reduced to £30.
If payment is made later than 28 days of the offence the cost will rise to £90.
If payment is not made Essex County Council will pursue the matter through the county court and instruct bailiffs to recover the debt.
Details of how to make payments, and how to lodge an appeal against a penalty charge notice, are included on the back of the notice itself.
Bus Lane Adjudication Service Joint Committee
The county council is a member of the Bus Lane Adjudication Service Joint Committee. The joint committee publishes an annual statement of accounts, which is subject to external audit. The arrangements for 2010/11 can be found on the PATROL website.