Brighton & Hove City Council are hoping camera enforcement will prevent drivers parking in cycle lanes, when it is rolled out from September.
New legislation came into force last June which enables the council to use cameras as evidence to issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) by post to people who park in cycle lanes, where there are currently restrictions on parking or loading.
The council added it is important that the city’s cycle lanes are free for people cycling to use, but sometimes cyclists can find them obstructed by people who have parked inconsiderately.
People who park in the lanes are given a short grace period to allow for pick-ups and drop offs only. From next month, warning letters will be sent to anyone caught on camera parking illegally in these locations.
Furthermore, from October a PCN will be issued, this will charge £70 or £35 if paid within the first 14 days. Following this, the council will be looking at introducing the enforcement criteria at more sites across Brighton & Hove.
As well as the new enforcement of some cycle lanes, the council is also expanding its enforcement of illegal parking in city bus stops.
At the moment, cameras currently enforce illegal parking at a number of central bus stops in Brighton & Hove. From September, this is increasing to bus stops citywide with PCNs being issued to vehicles seen parked in a bus stop.
Chair of the environment, transport and sustainability committee, Amy Heley. said: “I know from my experience of using our cycle lanes and public transport how frustrating it can be when the routes are blocked by illegally parked motor vehicles.”
“This new legislation will help us to keep cycle lanes clear and safe for those that use them. It will also mean smoother passage for those that do use a car around the city.
“We are committed to providing safe routes for people to travel either by using active travel routes or by using public transport.”
Any surplus generated by parking fees and charges will be spent on provision of public transport services or to road, air quality or environmental improvements.
