Calls for Better Signage Amid Bus Lane Fines

Thousands of drivers were fined for entering bus lanes and gates in Reading last year, and councillors say poor signage could be a big part of the problem.

The bus gate at Reading Green Park Station alone led to 6,113 fines in less than two years. In total, 61,835 penalty charge notices (PCNs) were issued for bus lane offences in 2024/25. By comparison, Swindon had 19,008 and Southampton 15,814.

Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Anne Thompson said she was "astonished to hear" the figures and urged action. "Why can drivers avoid infringing bus lanes in our neighbouring towns and cities, but not in Reading?"

She added: "The most obvious explanation for the discrepancy is that other councils have installed better signage and road markings to alert residents and visitors to bus lanes and bus gates."

"While Labour-run Reading council's signage may be legally compliant, though this has been contested by at least one adjudicator at the Traffic Penalty Tribunal, it could clearly be much better. In order to treat Reading residents and visitors fairly and to keep traffic flowing, will the council commit to reviewing and improving signage for bus lanes and bus gates?"

Thompson suggested starting with the worst hotspots.

Labour transport lead Cllr John Ennis said the high number of contraventions likely reflects Reading's compact layout, the scale of its bus-priority network, traffic volumes and active enforcement rather than drivers being routinely misled by signs.

He said: "The number of bus lane contraventions recorded in Reading is likely to reflect a combination of our compact urban geography, the scale of our bus-priority network, the volume of traffic using those corridors and active enforcement, rather than evidence that drivers are routinely being misled by the signing of restrictions."

Ennis added that signing is governed by national rules, the council inspects and maintains signs and markings, and it considers complaints and tribunal decisions when reviewing restrictions. "For those reasons, I do not consider a borough-wide review necessary."

"However, officers will continue to monitor locations that attract higher levels of contraventions as part of the council’s ongoing network management and maintenance responsibilities and will consider any targeted improvements where evidence demonstrates they would be beneficial."

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter