Bus gate could be enforced at Osborne Street bus station

Essex Highways wants to install a bus gate at Colchester bus station, where Osborne Street becomes St John’s Street.

Motorists are already forbidden from using the left-hand lane to drive through to St John’s Street, instead using the right-hand lane to turn left into Stanwell Street or right into Vineyard Gate.

However, there is currently no punishment for drivers breaking the rules.

If successful, the plans could see enforcement cameras installed as part of a crackdown on drivers using the bus lane.

Station - buses and a cyclist in Osborne Street (Image: Newsquest)

A statement of reasons published by the highways authority says a traffic survey completed over five days last year found a “significant number of vehicles are contravening the bus gate”.

It added: “This has an adverse impact on bus punctuality, leading to less reliable bus journey times, and presents more risks to pedestrian safety in the area.

“The bus gate at Osborne Street at its junction with Stanwell Street and Vineyard Gate is currently not supported by a traffic regulation order.”

The plans to introduce a bus gate order and undertake highway improvement works are currently under consultation.