Bus priority offences targeted

To address this problem, WA Police have been working with Transperth and recently conducted an operation along Beaufort Street.

Six motorists were fined and 22 cautioned. Driving illegally in a bus lane is an offence under the Road Traffic Code and can attract a fine of $100 and three demerit points.

Public Transport Authority spokesman David Hynes said there were about 46km of bus priority lanes in Perth.

“Bus lanes are designed to make bus travel as efficient as possible for Transperth passengers who are doing the right thing by using public transport,” Mr Hynes said.

“The PTA has invested heavily in bus priority infrastructure (making existing roads work smarter, not harder), so it’s appropriate the lanes be monitored to ensure only appropriate vehicles use them.

“One bus can carry between 50 to 100 people depending on its size – while the average car carries one or two. That’s why it’s important buses are able to move unimpeded through their designated lanes.

“Cars can drive in the priority bus lanes when signed to do so, which in most cases means off-peak and, during peak times, for 100m before turning left.

“It’s always important to check the signage as some lanes, such as those in Cedric Street are signed as full-time bus lanes.”

“It’s also timely to remind motorists that buses have right of way as they come out of a bus stop or embayment, so cars should give way to them to allow them to stick to their schedule and get to where they need to go more efficiently.”

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