Motorists in Bradford are voicing their concerns following recent changes to the bus lane regulations on Thornton Road, which transitioned from limited operational hours to a 24-hour policy on October 17, 2025.
One individual impacted by this change is 73-year-old Brian Powell, who received a £70 fine after inadvertently driving in the newly designated bus lane. Powell, who claims he was unaware of the extended hours, argues that the council failed to adequately inform the public about the changes. He urged local authorities to enhance signage indicating that the bus lane is now enforced round-the-clock.
Bradford Council maintains that the presence of 24-hour bus lanes is indicated by specific blue signs, which do not list operating times. The council asserts that such signage was present at the Thornton Road location when Powell received his fine.
On the evening of his fine, Powell had been out for pizza and recalled that he, along with several other vehicles, entered the bus lane without realizing its 24-hour enforcement status. Upon receiving a notification from the council, including photographic evidence of his vehicle in the lane, Powell expressed his frustration. He described the enforcement as a “money-making” tactic rather than a measure aimed at traffic regulation. “They must have made a fortune,” he commented, highlighting the relatively light traffic on Thornton Road outside peak hours.
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Powell’s discontent extends to the enforcement dynamics, as he noted that traffic tends to thin out significantly later in the evening. He argued that clearer communication could have prevented many fines that he believes are unjustifiably issued. Powell proposed that simply adding a sticker to existing signs indicating 24-hour operation could significantly improve public awareness.
In response to Powell’s concerns, a spokesperson for Bradford Council confirmed that while the bus lane was indeed operational 24/7 at the time of his citation, enforcement has been temporarily suspended due to emergency work by Northern Gas Networks. The spokesperson emphasized that a proper process exists for contesting Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) and advised residents who feel wronged by their fines to utilize that process.
The situation on Thornton Road mirrors broader concerns regarding bus lane enforcement within Bradford. Another recent example involves a high volume of fines issued along Vicar Lane, prompting a local resident, Richard Leak, to label the fines as “extortionate” and part of a “cash cow” system. Leak’s Freedom of Information request revealed that between October 8 and October 29 of this year, over 2,400 PCNs were issued, resulting in substantial revenue for the council.
As residents and regular commuters navigate these newly established regulations, the call for clearer signage and transparent communication with the public remains louder than ever. Many in the community are advocating for changes that prioritize awareness over revenue generation, highlighting the balance local authorities must strike between safety and service efficiency.
