News

Thousands of Welsh drivers fined due to ‘misleading’ bus gate signage

Published

2 years ago

July 10, 2024

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.

Crime

Carmarthen man denies coercive control allegations

Published

44 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody ahead of further hearing

A CARMARTHEN man has denied allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his partner during a prolonged period of alleged abuse.

Mark Hanson, aged 51, of no fixed abode but previously linked to Llangunnor Road, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for a further case management hearing on Wednesday (Mar 19).

The court heard that Hanson is accused of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship, contrary to Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015.

It is alleged that between January 1, 2024 and March 12, 2026, at Stackpole, Hanson repeatedly or continuously subjected a female to threats of violence. Prosecutors say the pair were partners at the time, and that the behaviour had a serious effect on the complainant, which Hanson either knew or ought to have known.

Hanson entered a not guilty plea to the charge on March 13.

The court was told that he has been remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, with magistrates citing concerns that he may commit further offences, including causing injury or fear of injury to a person connected to the case.

Additional information presented to the court indicated that Hanson is currently serving a custodial sentence of two months for breaching a Domestic Violence Protection Order.

The case was adjourned for a further case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 23) at 10:00am. The hearing is expected to be conducted via video link and is listed for a duration of 20 minutes.

Magistrates Mr A Allison, Mrs J Morris and Mr D England presided over the hearing. The prosecution was led by Sian Vaughan, with Hanson represented by Alaw Harries of DGJ Solicitors.

News

Pembrokeshire’s Muslims gather to celebrate Eid al-Fitr as Ramadan ends

Published

50 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MUSLIMS across Pembrokeshire are marking the end of Ramadan with celebrations for Eid al-Fitr, one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar.

Members of the local Muslim community gathered once again at the Hamad Bin Khalifa Islamic Centre in Milford Haven on Thursday morning (Mar 20) to pray, share food, and celebrate together following a month of fasting from dawn to sunset.

Eid al-Fitr begins with special morning prayers, before families and friends come together to enjoy meals, exchange gifts, and spend time with loved ones. It is also a time for charity, reflection, and strengthening community ties.

Local businesses, many run by members of the Muslim community, often close or operate reduced hours during the celebrations, as families take time to mark the occasion.

Herald Editor Tom Sinclair, who previously attended Eid celebrations at the centre, said: “It is always a privilege to be invited to such a warm and welcoming event.

“The sense of community is clear to see, and after a month of fasting, it is a real moment of joy for everyone involved.

“Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating across Pembrokeshire.”

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast during daylight hours as an act of worship and self-discipline.

The festival is a time of celebration and generosity. People wear new or their best clothes, visit family and friends, and often give to charity to ensure that everyone can take part in the festivities.

Across the world, Eid is celebrated in different ways, but the message remains the same: unity, gratitude, and goodwill.

Crime

Youth, 15, admits assault on police officer in Milford Haven

Published

1 hour ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A 15-YEAR-OLD has admitted assaulting a police officer during an incident in Milford Haven.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the offence took place on Saturday (Mar 1), when the youth assaulted Police Constable 573 Evans.

The defendant appeared before magistrates on Wednesday (Mar 19), where a guilty plea to common assault was entered.

The court granted unconditional bail and adjourned the case for sentencing.

The youth is due to appear again at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 2) at 10:00am for sentencing. The hearing is expected to last around 30 minutes.

Under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, the youth cannot be identified.