Council raises £7m in fines from bus gates

Almost £7m has been raised in fines issued to motorists using bus gates installed in the centre of Brighton four years ago.

A BBC Freedom of Information request has revealed more than 230,000 penalty notices have been issued at four sites within the Valley Gardens project since 2021, only 7% of which have been rescinded on appeal.

Bus gates, a short section of road where only buses and authorised vehicles such as taxis can go through, were introduced at Marlborough Place, St Peters Place, St Georges Place and York Place.

Trevor Muten, Brighton & Hove City Council cabinet member, said they were put in place to "improve traffic flow, safety and bus services".

York Place alone has generated £4.2m in fines - that's more than half the total generated revenue from the four bus gates.

Hannah McGrath, owner of Cloud 9 cake shop in York Place, said: "The bus gate causes people a bit of a problem for people coming to collect their cake and wanting to get as close to us as possible.

"Lots of people get caught out all the time."

Resident Nell Killick said: "If they've got to get their money from somewhere then it's almost fair game.

"The cutting of services such as libraries and schools is more of an issue for me."

Paul Marshall, a visitor and former Brighton resident, said: "I don't mind as they do reduce traffic.

"And I don't mind the council making money as they do have to fund the services."

Mr Muten said: "The notably smaller numbers of fines now being issued confirm drivers are more familiar with the restrictions and that signs clearly show where restrictions apply.

"We believe drivers are well informed about the bus gates and can take steps to avoid being fined. Those who are fined can, of course, appeal.

"Any revenue coming from these bus gates is used to improve our parking services and road safety and re-invested in local transport initiatives, including concessionary bus fares, supported bus services and safety measures."

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