Wiltshire traffic camera to stop drivers using bus gate

A traffic camera will be installed to catch drivers illegally using a designated bus lane.

It follows an increase in motorists using the Outmarsh route to pass through the village of Semington.

Wiltshire Council said it is now taking enforcement action and will install the camera this month.

He added that during a recent traffic count, an average of 171 vehicle movements per day were recorded passing through the bus gate, far exceeding the number of buses plying the route.

The bus gate was installed in 2004 following the construction of the A350 Semington Bypass and is designed to prevent traffic using the old route through Semington village while maintaining a through route for buses.

The request for a camera was made by the Melksham Area Local Highways and Ways Improvement Group (LHFIG), which is funding the facility in partnership with Semington Parish Council.

LHFIG meets four times a year to discuss local highway issues and allocate funds to improve roads and trails in the area.

Councilor Richard Clewer, leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “This request has been supported by both Semington and Melksham Parish Councils Without to tackle a long-standing problem and deter drivers from illegally using the bus gate.”

It is hoped the camera will improve safety on the road and prevent drivers from passing through Semington in an attempt to avoid congestion on the A350.

The penalty notice for any unauthorized vehicle ignoring the bus gate will be £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days. Any surplus income will be used to fund the council’s parking services.

Mr Clewer added: “We know some people will claim this is a money-making exercise.

“But we want drivers to respect the traffic restriction and if they do there will be no fines and the road will be safer for the local community.”

The camera is expected to be installed in June and will become operational shortly thereafter.