Don’t get busted in the bus lane

Thousands of motorists are flouting the law and driving in bus priority lanes illegally each day.

In an attempt to address this, Transperth has launched a campaign to remind motorists of the importance of keeping the bus lanes for the benefit of buses during sign-posted times.

The new campaign, which includes radio, bus stop and digital advertising, warns drivers that if they get busted in the bus lane, they’ll be hit with a fine.

In a 300-person survey undertaken as part of the campaign, 17 per cent of people admitted to driving in designated bus lanes - an offence under the Road Traffic Code, which can attract a fine of $100 and three demerit points.

Public Transport Authority spokesman David Hynes said about 8500 vehicles a day were recently identified as using bus lanes illegally on key roads such as Beaufort Street and Fitzgerald Street in Mt Lawley, and South Street in Bull Creek.

“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 up to 100 passengers – while the average car carries one or two. That’s why it’s important buses are able to move easily in their designated lanes.

“Cars can drive in the bus lanes when they are not in use which, in most cases, means off-peak or, during peak times, for 100m before turning.

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