Council winning bus gate appeals since concerns

A council says it has defeated numerous appeals from drivers caught using a controversial bus gate since an adjudicator raised concerns about its signs.

Only buses, taxis and bicycles can pass through the Cumberland Road bus gate in Bristol without incurring a fine.

In February, a Traffic Penalty Tribunal adjudicator examining one driver's appeal ruled some of its signs were not "likely to be that effective" in warning drivers and should be changed.

Bristol City Council said it had updated its evidence to address the adjudicator's concerns and won numerous tribunal cases since.

The bus gate was installed in 2023 and saw £1m worth of fines issued within six months last year.

While all of the signs at the bus gate are legal, adjudicator Mackenzie Robinson criticised the lack of adequate signs on the turning onto Cumberland Road from Gas Ferry Road.

In his ruling, Mr Robinson said the first three warning signs approaching the bus gate from Avon Crescent were "not particularly well located".

He said: "I am concerned that little use has been made of road markings diverting drivers towards the council's preferred alternative route."

He explained it is not his role to advise the council, but said the authority should use its local knowledge and expertise to decide what measures should be put in place.

Mr Robinson said he had ruled in the council's favour when deciding previous appeals, but changed his mind due to the quantity of claims.

The driver in this ruling was represented by campaigner Matt Sanders, who has been calling for the bus gate to be changed since May 2024.

Mr Sanders said it was the first time the driver, who won their appeal, had driven across Bristol in five years. He said they chose to travel via Hotwells to avoid bus gates in Baldwin Street and Bristol Bridge.

"The design of the bus gate has lots of individual mistakes and errors, and lack of anticipation of problems," Mr Sanders told the BBC.

"They may well be genuine errors," he added. "It may not be a sinister plot, but it means that it's less effective so there are more contraventions."

Councillor Ed Plowden, chair of the council's transport committee, said the bus gate is among a number of measures which has improved air quality.

He said its signs are compliant with the latest guidance and legislation and some signs exceed the requirements set out by the Traffic Signs Manual.

"Recent tribunal decisions not found in favour of the council have not undermined the wider operation of the bus gate," he added.

"However, officers have adjusted our existing signage and, if appropriate, will consider installing further additional signage or making other adjustments."

Mr Plowden also said it is the responsibility of individuals to plan their journeys and avoid bus gates.

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