18 November 2009

Motorists warned bus lanes in Cathedral square to be policed

Motorists are being warned that the marked bus lanes in Cathedral Square are to be policed from next Monday 23 November.

For many years motorists have flouted driving restrictions in the Square by using the bus lanes to exit the Square, says Christchurch City Council Acting Transport and Greenspace Manager Malcolm Park.

“With the introduction of the first bus priority lanes along Papanui Road, it is timely we remind motorists there are restrictions in place which prohibit private vehicles exiting Colombo Street from the Square and that enforcement will be carried out.”

From next Monday, the signals at the Colombo Street/Hereford Street and Colombo Street/Gloucester Street intersections, will reinforce the restrictions by displaying green left turn arrows for private vehicles exiting the square.

“If motorists ignore the signals and drive from the Square into Colombo Street, they will have committed a traffic offence which will be subject to a fine.”

Mr Park says the bus lanes have been repainted and new signage installed to further reinforce the prohibition.

Only buses, taxis and cycles can travel north or south out of the Square into Colombo Street. All other traffic must turn left at these two intersections.

The other restriction is in Gloucester Street where only buses, taxis and cycles travelling east along the street are able to turn right into the Square. All other traffic must either continue along Gloucester Street or turn left into Colombo Street.

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