Two new bus lane cameras in Northampton and one in Daventry will begin fining drivers 24/7 soon
Two new bus lane cameras in Northampton – and one in Daventry – will begin fining drivers soon, as the council bids to “keep buses running on time”.
West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is gearing up to step up enforcement of three existing bus lane restrictions from Monday June 22.
The locations are: Harlestone Road, Northampton, Duston Road, Northampton and Lodge Road, Daventry, and restrictions at all three locations are in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Bus lane restrictions have been in place at all three locations for some time, including with signage in the area. However, enforcement will now be stepped up and drivers will be fined if they breach the restrictions.
According to the council, from Monday, banned vehicles using these lanes will receive a warning for breaching the restrictions. Full enforcement will start on Monday July 6 with Penalty Charge Notices (PCN’s) being issued.
Councillor Richard Butler, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “These bus lanes are there for a reason.
“They help keep buses running on time and make sure people can rely on public transport. When other vehicles use them unlawfully, it causes delays and can create safety risks for everyone using the road.
“The restrictions have been in place for some time, and we are now focusing on enforcing them more consistently.
“We would encourage all drivers to pay close attention to the signs and only use routes where it is clearly permitted.”
The lanes are reserved for buses and must not be used by other vehicles unless clearly stated on local signage, so the council is reminding drivers to check and follow signs carefully before entering any restricted route.
WNC also added that this change is about “improving compliance with those rules to support safer and more reliable travel”.
The penalty for driving in a bus lane is £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days.
Both The Drapery and Gold Street in Northampton town centre have enforcement cameras in place 24/7, monitoring the bus only streets. From The Drapery camera, 11,728 fines were issued between January and October 2025, totalling £417,163.89.