GLASGOW city council have failed to publish a review of city bus lanes despite vowing to do so nearly a year ago.

 

As reported by the EveningTimes, the local authority said in April 2014 they would review the lanes over seven months but have yet to publish any findings of the consultation.

Hundreds of drivers have been angered by the controversial bus lane cameras, which have helped to snag more than 100,000 motorists since their introduction in 2012.

The 16 cameras keep an eye on the lanes, with 11 looking out for stray drivers 24 hours a day.

Almost 400 drivers were left fuming after they received fines for driving in the lanes on Christmas and New Years day, when no buses were in operation.

Now a city councillor is calling for the local authority to change enforcement times to "build trust with motorists."

Malcolm Balfour, Glasgow SNP Transport Spokesperson and former bus driver said: "We are still waiting on this and I think the delay is totally unacceptable.

"The whole city needs to know what is happening with these bus lanes.

"They promised the review on April 23, at which time they stated it was nothing to do with the petition I had raised.

"They promised us an answer within seven months and nothing has happened.

"I asked about it at the full council meeting in December, and was told it would be dealt with early in the New Year.

"As a result of having no results from the review, I have written to the Executive Director of Land and Environmental Services outlining the SNP's proposals for bus lanes in Glasgow.

"We have called on Glasgow City Council to build trust with motorists by enforcing bus lane restrictions only at peak times and to lift restrictions on Christmas and New Year's Day.

"These changes would ensure that drivers know when lanes are out of bounds and allow buses to run smoothly at peak times.

"If the scheme is really about smooth running - and not revenue generation as many suspect - then these proposals would help both bus services and drivers in Glasgow."

In a letter to Land and Environmental Services boss Brian Devlin last week, Councillor Balfour proposed the bus lane fines should only be enforced during rush hour travel times.

He suggested drivers should only be penalised if they travel along the routes between 7.30 - 9.30am and 4 - 6.30pm and added: "This would serve the dual purpose of maintaining peak period travel times and reducing unnecessary cost and disruption to drivers who may adversely affected by enforcement of bus lanes at times when no services are operating.

"Furthermore, we believe that a suspension of all restrictions on Christmas Day and New Year's day would be welcomed by the wider driving public.

Council bosses have previously insisted the lanes are needed to keep public transport flowing, and cited falling numbers of fines as proof that they are working.

A city council spokeswoman said: "Driving in bus lanes has always been an offence for anyone but authorised vehicles. However, the review, which is nearing completion, is about making it clear to drivers when bus lanes can, if at all, be used by unauthorised vehicles."

 

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