A CONTROVERSIAL bus lane has been suspended after the Dean of Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral voiced his concerns that unwitting motorists were being targeted unfairly.
Hundreds of motorists are thought to have been caught out by the bus lane camera while driving alongside the Roman Catholic Cathedral on Mount Pleasant.
Forced to pay out fines of up to £60, drivers complained they were not aware of the restrictions due to a lack of signage.
After listening to a number of complaints from his congregation, Canon Anthony O’Brien approached Liverpool City Council hoping for a resolution.
Canon O’Brien said: “The staff in the Cathedral offices have witnessed considerable numbers of cars driving through the cameras outside their windows on Mount Pleasant with drivers blissfully unaware that the cameras are now operational and that unless they are a bus, taxi or emergency vehicle they will receive a large fine through the post. We all feel that it is unfair for two reasons.
“Firstly we don’t see the need for closing the road to general through traffic but were unsuccessful when we appealed the scheme, and secondly, if this closure is to be enforced there should have been clear notices posted in advance of this happening.”
Council officers this week decided to switch off the cameras, which have been in operation since May last year, until a full review had been completed.
Cllr Malcolm Kennedy, cabinet member for regeneration and transport at Liverpool council, said: “The bus lane was planned during 2009 and the proposals were brought forward in 2010. At that time I approved the plan and I told the cathedral we would review the camera.
Following a meeting with Canon O’Brien I ordered the cameras to be switched off. I was not happy they were working as intended and I was not satisfied they were fulfilling a useful purpose.
“We will now carry out another review to determine a new scheme or if an amended scheme will work, or whether it would be best to get rid of the cameras for good.”
