Today I dropped my car in at Reg Vardy on Ecclesall Road and collected a courtesy car.

Well, as usual the courtest car had no petrol.

I drove a few yards down the road until the Pomona Pub where someone was turning right. As I wanted to go to the Shell petrol station on the left (about a hundred yards or so) I stayed in the bus lane.

The lights at the next junction changed to red so I was stuck in the bus lane at the red light.

I was just wondering whether my wandering into the bus lane would have attracted the attention of the authorities for such a short time and when I clearly intended to turn left out of it.

Are there any cameras monitoring this area of Ecclesall Road? I use the road regularly but always stay out of the bus lane so never took much notice of cameras. Only got in it so soon this time because of a right-turner blocking the other lane.

I don't think you'll be in any bother. I'm pretty sure I heard that the cameras in the bus lanes were to monitor the speed of the buses, not whether or not any other vehicles were using them. Anyways, you were going to the petrol station, so if you hear anything about it, or get fined, you should have your receipt from your purchase of petrol, which will be timed and dated and will prove your only intention was to take a left turn into the petrol station.

Originally posted by caprice
I don't think you'll be in any bother. I'm pretty sure I heard that the cameras in the bus lanes were to monitor the speed of the buses, not whether or not any other vehicles were using them. Anyways, you were going to the petrol station, so if you hear anything about it, or get fined, you should have your receipt from your purchase of petrol, which will be timed and dated and will prove your only intention was to take a left turn into the petrol station.

I only put £5 as it was a courtesy car and paid cash - no receipt! I will still fight it if I ever get a ticket for it.

Are there actually any cameras on the bus lanes on Ecclesall Road then?

Just after the petrol station is one of those new gadgets which shows you how many parking spaces there are and that seems to have some sensor/camera type thing on the top.

I'm not sure, but there was a thing on the news talking about putting cameras up on ecclesall road... I shall have a nosy when I'm going along ecclesall road later on this week :)

I use that shell garage regularly and have been caught out by the traffic lights just before the turn in for the garage- never had any ticket or trouble via cameras etc.

I wouldn't worry about it Keith.

Thanks for your replies.

When I go to collect my car later this week I will make a point of having a good look too.

I heard from someone (can't remember where or when) that vans are used to monitor some bus lanes - driving along with the rest of the traffic photographing offenders.

I am a careful driver and always worry when I think I may have done something wrong unintentionaly that may come back and bite me at a later date.

The Classic Rock Bar is right next door to the Shell garage, I live there, and have never heard a soul mention anything to me about cameras outside. I think you'll be safe.

I walk along there each day and am reasonably confident there aren't any cameras there (yet).

Also worth mentioning is that (the last time I re-checked the signs) it isn't a bus lane all the time, only certain hours. If you weren't in the bus lane in rush hour you'll probably be OK. Although that doesn't go for the owner of Kxx xxx who not only regularly drives in that bus lane in rush hours at an unbelievable pace, but goes through the red light at the pedestrian crossing whilst there's pedestrians actually crossing! He/she will surely be caught and fined soon!

I'll watch out for him up at this end (E.R.South).

Mind you there are several regulars up here who speed along towards town, in the bus lane in the rush hour.

Some of them are dishonest enough to signal that they are turning left at the next side road, but then drive straight on. Apart from being selfish pratts, they are a menace to pedestrians and other road users.

Serves you right for owning a Renault!!

No seriously.... I have had to use the bus lane on a few occasions too, to get into th petrol station. THe bus lane is active of certain hours only at tha end of Ecclesall.....road that is ;)