A simple repositioning of traffic cameras on one of Birmingham's busiest streets has led to a dramatic surge in the number of drivers being caught and fined for illegally using bus lanes.
Camera Adjustment Leads to Enforcement Surge
New enforcement cameras were installed along Broad Street, Birmingham's famous nightlife strip, towards the end of last year. However, council officials discovered that at one specific location, motorists were managing to evade detection.
This was at the Berkley Street outbound section, near the Library of Birmingham. Following a review, the council decided to adjust the camera's 'region of interest' – the specific area of road it monitors – to improve accuracy.
The impact was immediate and significant. Data obtained by BirminghamLive shows that while only a few hundred offences were recorded each month prior to the change, the figures skyrocketed to 5,508 in September and 3,557 in October.
More Accurate Fining, Not Worse Driving
Council bosses were quick to clarify that this sharp increase was not due to a sudden deterioration in driver behaviour. Instead, it was a direct result of the technical adjustment making the camera system more effective.
A Birmingham City Council spokesperson stated: "This technical adjustment resulted in a higher number of recorded offences, reflecting more accurate enforcement rather than a change in driver behaviour." In essence, many drivers who were previously getting away with breaking the rules are now being correctly identified.
The cameras were installed specifically to combat the flouting of bus and tram-only zones by car drivers. In the first full year of enforcement on Broad Street, almost 25,000 motorists have been caught and sent penalty notices.
Financial Penalties for Drivers
For those caught drifting into the restricted lanes, the penalty is a £30 fine. This penalty doubles to £60 if the fee is not paid within 14 days, providing a strong financial incentive for drivers to adhere to the rules.
The council's move underscores a broader effort to prioritise public transport and improve traffic flow in the city centre. The data from Berkley Street suggests that consistent and precise enforcement is key to achieving compliance from all road users.
