Paging those that drive in Hounslow (might apply elsewhere)
Can I confirm my understanding of this bit of road?
https://www.google.com/maps/@51.4843...7i16384!8i8192
Is this unusual (to me at least) road layout simply to allow cars to pass busses at the bus stop?
I went through it late on Friday night and, because the signage wasn't overly clear went straight through the "bus" bit. The car following me went to the right and negotiated the chicane.
Parked within sight of it, every car and van that came through while I was sat there slowed and went through the chicane rather than straight on.
When there's no bus, why don't people sail straight through? Is it that it's often sufficiently busy that you can get caught at the give way? Or is it forbidden to go straight unless you are a bus and I should expect a fine?
Paging those that drive in Hounslow (might apply elsewhere)
Looks like it .
Is it actually a bus lane ?
If not, and it’s merely a stopping place for the bus , it’s pretty well thought out .
I’d assume the bus would need to indicate to leave that area?
Plus, if you did get a fine , I’d suggest your appeal would be favourably looked on if the sineage isn’t clear
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Paging those that drive in Hounslow (might apply elsewhere)
You’ll be fine. No road signs and no cameras.
This is how they are signed when they don’t want you to drive in the bus lane. They also have cameras monitoring to enforce the fines.
They are added to ensure only cars and buses can travel the road and trucks can’t.
This example is Cox Lane, Chessington which is also like Hounslow enforced by TfL.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...0b52a36985.jpg
And the other lane as seen from the other side.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...0c3f436a2e.jpg
Paging those that drive in Hounslow (might apply elsewhere)
I know that specific bit of road quite well.
Your understanding is correct, the left hand bit is for buses only and other vehicles should negotiate the awkward chicane.
When I was younger I often went straight on as it is easier.
These days, there may be cameras I am not sure. But tbh I think you will get away with it.
Paging those that drive in Hounslow (might apply elsewhere)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Boss13
These days, there may be cameras I am not sure. But tbh I think you will get away with it.
Unless it is clearly signed a bus lane, it is not a bus lane.
TfL are ruthless. There is no getting away with it. You have either contravened a bus lane and you will be fined, or you haven’t.
No chance of prosecuting without appropriate signage, and even if they tried no chance it would get past an appeal ombudsman.
The lane is merely there to keep the traffic flowing when a bus stops. If it was there to prevent trucks turning into the road as per the Cox Lane example above, it would be littered with signs. And there would have to be an alternative turn off for the truck.
The other big clue is nothing comes up when you google Cranford Lane Hounslow Bus Lane.
Try that on Cox Lane Chessington Bus Lane on Google and you get a different response.
Paging those that drive in Hounslow (might apply elsewhere)
I’m confident there is signage there. In the Google maps above I think the bus is covering it.
Next time I pass I will check out of interest.
Edit: or it could be cars being sheep and taking the chicane without reason I suppose!
Paging those that drive in Hounslow (might apply elsewhere)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Boss13
Move one frame further on Google and you see the same bus stop as the bus pulls away. No signs to be seen.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...74ed012fb4.jpg