And one of the drivers fined are calling it a “rip-off.”
Former driving instructor Gavin Marriott was left feeling “surprised” when he was slapped with a $150 fine for crossing over the bus lane on Riccarton Rd earlier than 50m to turn left at Deans Ave.
He now wants to raise awareness about the rule which disallows vehicles from crossing over a bus lane to turn any sooner than 50m before an intersection.
There is even a CCTV camera zone on Riccarton Rd with cameras installed at Deans Ave and Mona Vale Ave next to the railway crossing.
The cameras have been in place since November last year and have stung 2466 drivers. netting $369,000 in fines.
“To me, there needs to be fairness and a little bit more warning,” Mr Marriott said.
He said there needs to be better demarcation on the road, clearly showing where drivers can cross over, and clearer signage.
Under the New Zealand Transport Agency’s Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004, a driver may drive in a lane for a minimum length necessary to complete a manoeuvre and no more than a maximum distance of 50m.
But Mr Marriott said the letter he received in the mail did not clearly state what his offence was.
“There was information on the infringement notice to say what I have done and where I have done it.
“It is a little bit on the unfair side.”
Christchurch City Council confirmed the fine was for crossing over the bus lane earlier than 50m before the intersection.
The infringement notice stated Mr Marriott committed a “moving vehicle offence” or “special vehicle lane offence infringement notice.”
In addition, the details of the letter stated: “Being the driver of a vehicle on a road used a special vehicle lane reserved for a specific class or classes of vehicle other than the one being driven.”
Mr Marriott said the incident happened at about 11am on November 19, and there was hardly any traffic on the road and no buses around.
While he will pay the fine, as he does not feel he has a choice, Mr Marriott said there needs to be more warning to other drivers.
Since receiving the letter, Mr Marriott said he has phoned about nine other people – including some in the driving instructor industry.
He said no one he had spoken to has heard of the rule of crossing over the bus lane.
Mr Marriott said $150 is very steep considering the offence.
