Devon County Council officers met with key stakeholders from Devon & Cornwall Police on 29th February to review the issue of non-compliance with the bus gates at Whipton Lane and Ladysmith Road/Park Road. We are jointly clear that the behaviour of some drivers who routinely ignore the restrictions is completely unacceptable and places other road users, particularly those who are vulnerable, at increased risk.
Devon County Council applied to the Department for Transport in November 2023 for Moving Traffic Enforcement Powers under the Traffic Management Act 2004 and are awaiting a response. These powers will enable the authority to consider a number of tactical options, including 24/7 enforcement coverage.
In the interim, Devon & Cornwall Police will undertake random and unpredictable enforcement at the bus gates and will ensure an occasional joint presence with enforcement officers from Devon County Council, again without notice.
Devon & Cornwall Police will also accept online reports (via their website) from the public where clear and unambiguous evidence exists of an offence. Individuals are strongly advised not to provoke conflict by filming at the roadside for prolonged periods.
Both organisations have agreed to meet on a monthly basis to review the position and inform our ongoing activity and enforcement posture.