§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what changes have been made to legislation with regard to revenue raised from bus lane enforcement since 1997; and if he will make a statement. [75607]
§ Mr. JamiesonLocal authorities with decriminalised parking enforcement (DPE) powers may issue penalty charge notices in the case of vehicles parked in contravention of bus lanes. Use of surplus income from parking penalty charge notices is governed by the provisions of section 55 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. This section was amended by the Greater London Authority Act 1999 to enable London authorities to use surplus income in connection with implementation in their area of the Mayor of London's transport strategy.
The London Local Authorities Act 1996 enables London authorities, including Transport for London, to issue penalty charge notices on the basis of evidence provided by a prescribed device in respect of vehicles being driven illegally in bus lanes. Use of surplus income from the enforcement of moving bus lane contraventions in London is governed by Schedule 2 to the 1996 Act.
Otherwise, responsibility for enforcement of bus lanes is the responsibility of the police and fine income accrues to the Exchequer.
We are currently preparing regulations to be made under section 144 of the Transport Act 2000 which will enable local authorities outside London with DPE powers to issue penalty charge notices in respect of vehicles being driven illegally in bus lanes.