NSW Cracks Down on Bus Lane Violations with New Camera and Warning Period

New South Wales authorities are stepping up enforcement of bus lane rules to ensure safer and more efficient traffic flow on major roads. As of this month, a new bus lane camera has been activated on Victoria Road, Rozelle, citybound between Hartley Street and Robert Street. This camera aims to deter illegal use of the bus lane, giving priority to buses and other eligible vehicles for smoother transit and less congestion.

For a one-month grace period, drivers caught in the bus lane will receive a warning letter rather than an immediate fine. After this period, however, infringements will result in fines of $410 and one demerit point. Duncan Lucas, Executive Director of Rade Safety Regulation at Transport for NSW, commented, “The new bus lane will not only enforce compliance but also enhance the safety for both passengers and motorists, contributing to a smoother flow of traffic.”

Eligible vehicles for the bus lane include buses, taxis, hire cars, bicycles, emergency vehicles, and motorcycles. Private vehicles are allowed to enter the bus lane within 100 meters of making a turn, ensuring that drivers can still access side streets while maintaining lane integrity for public transport and permitted vehicles.

This bus lane initiative comes alongside a new trial of point-to-point speed cameras on a 15-kilometer stretch between the Pacific and Hume Highway. Previously used solely for heavy vehicles, these cameras, under the direction of NSW Roads Minister John Graham, will monitor light vehicles as well. This six-month trial is a proactive response to NSW’s rising road toll, aiming to improve safety by measuring speed over distance rather than at a single point, making it harder for speeding drivers to evade detection.

With these changes, Transport for NSW is prioritizing public safety and efficiency, aligning traffic management with a broader commitment to reduce road incidents across the state.