Oxfordshire automates bus lane enforcement

County council rolls out Videalert platform

Bus lane enforcement signage in Oxford

Bus lane enforcement signage in Oxford

Oxfordshire County Council has upgraded its bus lane enforcement system with the installation of an automated platform. The new system, supplied by Videalert, replaces a manually operated network of cameras.

The move to the new camera system was announced in October 2019. A go-live date of 15 June was identified to support the increase in cyclists expected as more people are able to move around as the coronavirus lockdown eases, as well as protect bus journeys for those who need to use public transport.

Cllr Liam Walker, cabinet member for highway operation and delivery, said: “ANPR is more efficient and allows greater flexibility to review potential contraventions after the event. As we start to see lockdown being freed up we want to see more people switching to sustainable transport – cycling, walking and public transport are all preferable to driving for so many people.

“The council is working hard to ensure that Oxfordshire’s transport system is ready to meet the demands of more people starting to get out and about, and the new cameras will play a small part in that.”

The automated system covers both bus lanes and bus gates. New camera sites have been flagged with additional signage to draw attention to the use of camera enforcement.

A whitelist identifies vehicles that can legitimately use the gates including buses, emergency vehicles and maintenance vehicles.

Captured evidence packs are transmitted and stored on Videalert’s hosted digital video platform where they can be accessed and reviewed securely over the internet. Validated evidence packs are sent to the council’s back office system to issue penalty charge notices (PCNs).

Videalert is part of Marston Holdings, a group that encompasses enforcement contractor NSL, transport and urban realm consultancy Project Centre and a number of civil enforcement agencies.