PLANS to issue fines to drivers flouting a city centre bus lane have moved a step closer to being put in place. 

The Gazette revealed in December that Essex Highways wanted 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.

A consultation has now been held into the plans with Essex County Council looking to move forward with them. 

The council is says the proposal is to help stop unauthorised vehicles from entering Osborne Street from its junction with Stanwell Street and Vineyard Gate.

It is intended that the bus gate will improve traffic flow for public transport and enable improved enforcement . 

The council said just one objection was received during the consultation.

The objector argued cars using the area pose no obstruction to buses and the introduction of a camera is just another way of fining people.

The objector also stated they drive through the proposed restriction as their business and parking is in the area.

They stated that they have never disrupted the buses when doing this.

The council documents say: “The council is committed to increasing public transport usage and identifies that it is crucial to keep bus lanes free for their intended use to make bus travel more attractive to help reduce congestion and the environmental impacts of single use cars.

“A traffic survey undertaken for five days over 24 hour periods from May 3 2022, found that a significant number of vehicles are contravening the bus gate at Osborne Street at its junction with Stanwell Street and Vineyard Gate.

"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.

"It is proposed to introduce a bus gate order and undertake highway improvement works including the installation of an enforcement camera, to deter unauthorised vehicles from entering Osborne Street from its junction with Stanwell Street and Vineyard Gate.”

Essex County Council will have the final say.