A NORTH EAST council has proposed a plan which would see 'no car lanes' turned into bus lanes - and drivers who fall foul of the rules fined £60.

Sunderland City Council has said the measures will help improve transport including bus punctuality and ensure rules are being followed.

The council's cabinet is set to meet today, where they will make a decision on taking up the measures and stronger enforcement powers.

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Councillor Claire Rowntree, the council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said there had been "strong" feelings.

She said: "There are very strong feelings about drivers and highways users who do not follow the Highway Code and who fail to drive with due care and attention.

"These enforcement powers are important as they will go towards helping improve the punctuality of bus services, influence and promote the carbon reducing benefits of public transport, and ensure that more highways users do follow and obey the rules and regulations that are necessary when we are out on the highways."

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It is expected that the Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) would be produced following a bus lane contravention with CCTV cameras installed.

The council said it is already an approved authority for bus lane enforcement but it needs to take further actions, including consultation with Northumbria Police and the Secretary of State, before it can issue the £60 PCNs.

Cllr Rowntree added: "There are many benefits to be gained from taking up these powers as the public gains a better understanding of who has overall responsibility for enforcement and the police can concentrate on other matters.

"Targeted enforcement in bus lanes can go towards helping improve bus punctuality and journey times making buses more attractive choices for members of the public."

At its meeting last month, Cabinet agreed that the City Council should, also further to more Government approvals and consultation, look to adopt legal powers on enforcing ‘moving traffic contraventions’.

This would cover traffic offences such as banned turns, contraventions in box junctions and driving in cycle lanes.

The new traffic powers are part of a wider nationwide shift away from police enforcement that is being prepared by the Government.

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