Bus lanes

[ClichéGuevara]

Anyone had a fixed penalty notice (fpn) for using one?

I'm supportive of the principle behind them, making bus travel a more attractive proposition and creating better routes for cyclists, although the lay out of some around here are questionable, but that's by the by.

Anyway, I've just received a FPN for being in the bus lane during its hours of operation (peak hours Mon to Sat). No argument, that's my car in the photo, and it would have been me driving.

Thing is, I was driving my daughter to work, because it was a bank holiday, with a less than Sunday bus service and her journey involves two buses.

I had it drummed in to me to always drive on the inside lane, unless there were good grounds not to.

Given the basic principle behind them, and the fact they're not in operation Sundays because there are less buses, and there are even less on a Bank Holiday, do you reckon I've an argument for getting it cancelled? Any tips for what to put in my begging letter to them?

I've got "Dear thieving bastards" so far, but I think it needs more.

I believe all this does is reinforce the view they're cash cows, which undermines their real purpose.

 

[growingvegetables]

... do you reckon I've an argument for getting it cancelled?

Chancer.

 

[ClichéGuevara]

It was a Monday, right? I think you've answered your own question really.

AYe, but they used to be out of operation on bank holidays because it was less than Sunday service.

 

[Markymark]

Dear thieving bastards,

I think the rules don't apply to me.

Yours,

Mr Entitled.

 

[potsy]

What do the signs in the bus lane say?

 

[growingvegetables]

Any tips for what to put in my begging letter to them?

"Please find enclosed cheque for £......."

 

[ClichéGuevara]

What do the signs in the bus lane say?

Cycle route.

 

[ianrauk]

You got caught... pay the fine.

 

[ClichéGuevara]

[QUOTE 4226177, member: 259"]I think you should just pay it. I get a speeding ticket once in a blue moon and I view it as a justified punishment and a form of taxation.[/QUOTE]

To be fair, I view them the same.

The Policeman that caught me speeding last time (long story, but they were chasing me for driving off quickly at a speed gun check, but I didn't realise until I stopped at the level crossing), anyway, he commented how well I took it. I'm not sure if he appreciated it when I said, "to be fair, I've had a good run"

I've very little doubt I'll have this to pay. Thing is, I do feel this goes against the principle of the bus lane, and simply makes it the cash cow everyone accuses it of being.

 

[Markymark]

To be fair, I view them the same.

The Policeman that caught me speeding last time (long story, but they were chasing me for driving off quickly at a speed gun check, but I didn't realise until I stopped at the level crossing), anyway, he commented how well I took it. I'm not sure if he appreciated it when I said, "to be fair, I've had a good run"

I've very little doubt I'll have this to pay. Thing is, I do feel this goes against the principle of the bus lane, and simply makes it the cash cow everyone accuses it of being.

No. They could come up with a hugely complicated algorithm to when it is active. For simplicity they don't. They put signs up when it is active. Driving a big metal box it is up to you to pay attention and see when. You didn't. You should pay.

 

[ClichéGuevara]

No. They could come up with a hugely complicated algorithm to when it is active. For simplicity they don't. They put signs up when it is active. Driving a big metal box it is up to you to pay attention and see when. You didn't. You should pay.

I did pay attention. Previously, they were signed the same, but not in operation bank holidays. The algorithm can't be that complicated, they've changed the times of operation several times.

It just seems out of order to keep a bus lane clear on a day when there are no buses, when all the timings are limited to peak hours.

 

[NorthernDave]

This is the TRO:
http://www.hullcc.gov.uk/pls/portal/docs/PAGE/HOME/TRANSPORT AND STREETS/TRAVEL/PUBLIC TRANSPORT/BUSES/BUS LANES/BUS LANES TRO 1ST JUNE 2015.PDF

And it makes no reference to Bank Holidays being exempt. That said, what have you got to lose if you appeal that it was a Bank Holiday and it seemed logical that with a vastly reduced service on the buses (much like a Sunday) that the bus lane wouldn't be operational? The worst that can happen is that they tell you to pay up, isn't it?

 

[growingvegetables]

... makes it the cash cow ....

Seriously?

 

[ClichéGuevara]

This is the TRO:
http://www.hullcc.gov.uk/pls/portal/docs/PAGE/HOME/TRANSPORT AND STREETS/TRAVEL/PUBLIC TRANSPORT/BUSES/BUS LANES/BUS LANES TRO 1ST JUNE 2015.PDF

And it makes no reference to Bank Holidays being exempt. That said, what have you got to lose if you appeal that it was a Bank Holiday and it seemed logical that with a vastly reduced service on the buses (much like a Sunday) that the bus lane wouldn't be operational? The worst that can happen is that they tell you to pay up, isn't it?

I'll ask the question, with the expectation I'll have it to pay.

For me, that's not particularly the issue. I just feel that issuing notices on a bank holiday takes away some of the persuasive strength of bus lanes in encouraging other modes of transport to the car. People just see "cash cow" rather than thinking about the opportunities for bus and cycle travel.

 

[Milkfloat]

Not wanting to be funny here, but you been caught speeding multiple times and now driving in the bus lane when you should not have, yet you come on a cycling forum for sympathy. Brave