Warning to drivers as CCTV installed on busy bus lane near Durham City

ANPR cameras have been installed on the problem section of road near the former Salutation pub in Framwellgate Moor, near Durham City.

Drivers ignoring existing restrictions - with some even driving down it in the wrong direction - have been among the concerns raised in recent months. 

Read more: Thousands of fines CANCELLED at Quarryheads Lane in Durham City

It comes as Durham County Council recently removed a controversial bus gate at Quarryheads Lane which caught thousands of drivers in its first month in operation.

The bus gate near Durham City is now enforced by cameras Pictures: SARAH CALDECOTT

Explaining that enforcement would begin in just under a fortnight's time, the council said that the cameras had gone live but that drivers were currently being issued with warning letters. 

Dave Wafer, head of transport and contract services at Durham County Council, said drivers had been warned of the changes since December. 

He said: “Following complaints from members of the public about the bus lane restriction in High Carr Road, Framwellgate Moor, being ignored, including reports of people going in the wrong direction, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera enforcement is now in effect.

“Advance notice signs have been in place on all approaches to the area since December last year."

Until now, drivers could largely pass through the restricted section of road without fear of being fined as the bus gate was not being actively monitored.

The bus gate forms part of a major bus route which is mainly used by Arriva and Go North East services coming from Newcastle, Gateshead and Chester-le-Street. 

Confirming the date enforcement will begin, Mr Wafer said Penalty Charge Notices which are currently set at £60, but reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days, would then be issued to offenders.

Read more: Bus lane is coming to THIS road in County Durham (and it will have cameras)

Mr Wafer said: “Those incorrectly using the bus lane in the next fortnight will be sent warnings, with live Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued from Tuesday, January 18 onwards.”

The bus lane is on a busy route into Durham Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

The decision was last night welcomed by County Councillor Mark Wilkes, who said he had been pushing for action for "years" on the problem road.

He said: “After so long where the previously Labour-run council failed to act I’m happy our action on the new joint administration has made this area safer for residents. “

Amanda Hopgood, leader of Durham County Council, revealed that there were further plans to improve road safety in Framwellgate Moor in coming months.

She said: “We have further plans being worked up to improve road safety in the Framwellgate Moor area after securing a 20mph zone last year.”

The addition of the bus lane cameras on High Carr Road follows on from similar intervention on Cornforth Lane in Coxhoe, near Ferryhill.

In May, the council confirmed concerns around a nearby primary school had contributed to a decision to install CCTV on the existing bus gate.

Read more: A19: Thousands of drivers sign petitions over £60 fines at Tyne Tunnel

At the time, it said that although restrictions had limited entry, an "approved camera device" would help enforce the rules and "alleviate" safety concerns around the school.

Meanwhile, the controversial Quarryheads Lane bus lane which caught more than 8,000 fines in its first weeks of operation was removed towards the end of last year.

The bus lane had been installed to help manage traffic following works to Durham's New Elvet Bridge.

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