Camera enforcement at Southampton bus gate to begin in April

For the first six months, penalty charge notices (PCNs) will be issued to any unauthorised vehicles that drive through the East Park Terrace bus gate twice starting from April 28.

But after the six month grace period, there will be no first warning, and all contraventions will result in a PCN sent through the post.

Southampton City Council says that the "majority of drivers" are complying with the bus, taxi and cycle only restriction at the gate, but monitoring has shown "regular contraventions to the restriction".

The restriction has been in place since July last year without enforcement cameras.

The local authority says that all money received from PCNs will be used to pay for the "upkeep and running of the camera system" and any surplus funds will be "reinvested in Southampton's transport network" as set out in national legislation.

READ MORE: Southampton CCTV cameras will enforce fines for drivers

The East Park Terrace bus gate, which goes directly past Solent University, came forward as a Transforming Cities funded proposal and saw support during a consultation in November 2022.

Warning letters and PCNs will be sent through the post and there will be a period of approximately two weeks between a warning notice being sent and activated.

Councillr Eamonn Keogh said camera enforcement was a necessary part of ambitious plans for improving bus travel. (Image: Cristiano Magaglio) Councillor Eamonn Keogh, cabinet member for environment and transport, said the scheme was part of the council's "ambitious plans" for transforming bus travel in the city.

He said that camera enforcement is a "necessary part of these plans", which in this case aim to provide improved bus journeys and a nicer environment adjacent to East Park.

READ MORE: East Park Terrace in Southampton reopens to buses, bikes and taxis

Eran Kochlany, chief financial and operating officer at Solent University, said the institution was "very pleased" with the transformation at East Park Terrace.

Eran said: "The quieter road and improved pavements have made a significant difference to the safety and overall experience for everyone on campus.

"It’s now far easier and safer to cross to and from East Park, especially for students, staff and visitors moving between the city centre and the university."