A DETAILED investigation into the signage of bus gates in Cardiff has revealed significant issues leading to an exorbitant number of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) being issued, totalling over £500,000 annually. The Kingsway bus gate, in particular, has become a notorious hotspot for fines, averaging one £70 PCN every 20 minutes during its operational hours.

The root of the problem appears to be the inadequate and misleading signage that fails to meet the legal standards set out in the Traffic Signs and General Directions 2016 and the Traffic Signs Manual. According to the reports, many of the drivers fined were likely unfamiliar with the area, relying on the insufficient signage to guide them. This issue is not unique to Cardiff, with similar complaints being echoed across various UK towns and cities.

The reports highlight that the signage at Kingsway does not comply with the necessary legal requirements. Common problems include signs that are too small, poorly placed, and lacking necessary supplementary plates such as “and authorised vehicles” for Private Hire Vehicles. This oversight questions the legality of the bus lane and gate enforcement in Cardiff and other regions.

An extensive review of bus gate penalties across the UK shows a troubling pattern of inadequate signage and excessive PCNs. Cities such as Leeds, Bristol, Brighton, and Aberdeen have similarly high rates of fines, with some councils issuing up to 132,000 PCNs annually. These penalties generate millions of pounds in revenue but have sparked widespread criticism regarding their fairness and the adequacy of the signage.

Traffic experts and campaigners, including Matt Sanders who authored a comprehensive 150-page report on Bristol’s bus gates, urge immediate corrective measures. Recommendations include halting the issuance of PCNs until signage is corrected, refunding unjustly fined drivers, and ensuring that all traffic signs meet current legal standards and are conspicuously placed.

Local authorities, such as Cardiff City Council, maintain that their signage complies with legislation. However, this has been disputed by adjudicators at the Traffic Penalty Tribunal who have frequently upheld appeals based on inadequate signage. The reports call into question the competence of the officers responsible for installing and maintaining these signs, suggesting a lack of up-to-date knowledge and training.

For Cardiff and other affected cities, the path forward involves a comprehensive review and overhaul of bus gate signage to ensure legal compliance and clarity for drivers. Authorities are urged to adopt the Institute of Highway Engineers’ recommendations and ensure all signage is designed and checked by qualified professionals.

The current state of bus gate signage in Cardiff and across the UK is leading to an unreasonable number of fines, disproportionately affecting unfamiliar drivers. This issue necessitates urgent national attention and reform to ensure fairness and legal compliance in traffic enforcement.