Edinburgh Council seeks to rule Greenways and reap big money in fines

Council bosses want to decriminalise enforcement on the city's Greenways, taking it out of the hands of the police at a number of "hotspots."

The plans, which would raise thousands of pounds every year in extra revenue, are being looked at to help reduce congestion in a small number of sites across the city.

Members of the council's transport committee are set to debate the proposals in the coming months, and both Aberdeen and Glasgow are understood to be looking at similar plans.

Currently the responsibility of the police, council bosses believe they could monitor the bus lanes more effectively, helping to free up police time.

• Poll: Do you agree with the council's bid to implement 60 bus lane fines?

The penalty currently stands at 30, but could raise to 60, although drivers will not be given points on their licence.

Edinburgh has not said how much it hopes to raise, but Aberdeen has previously said that similar plans in the Granite City could net around 90,000 in the first three years of operation.

Motoring organisations today welcomed the bid to cut congestion, but questioned Edinburgh City Council's motives for taking over the running of the cameras.

Philip Gomm, a spokesman for the RAC Foundation, said: "If the council's motivation is to reduce congestion then that is laudable. But if it is to revenue raise and support the council's spending commitments it is misguided.

"An ideal situation would be where no fines are collected because no one is breaking the rules, and that is what the council should be aiming for, not maximising fees."

Edinburgh's five Greenways are on the A8 Glasgow Road from Maybury to Princes Street, Leith Walk, Lothian Road, the A70 Slateford Road from Inglis Green Road to Haymarket and the A71 Calder Road from the bypass to Ardmillan Terrace.

The routes are for buses and taxis only from 7:30am until 6:30pm on weekdays, and from 8:30am to 6:30pm on Saturdays, with the exception of Glasgow Road, which only operates during peak hours.

Motorists driving or parking in Greenways during restricted hours are committing a criminal offence, whereas using other peak-time bus lanes in the city – which are sometimes painted green but are not actual Greenways – is a civil offence.

Moves by police in Aberdeen to catch motorists in the bus lanes helped cut congestion and improved journey times.

However, any move that would see councils take over the police's role would need the backing of the Scottish Government before being approved.

A council spokeswoman said: "The council, in line with two other local authorities in Scotland, is currently investigating the idea of decriminalising bus lane cameras on a small number of sites.

"A report is being prepared for the Transport, Infrastructure and Environment Committee."

The council said any money raised would go back into the city's transport budget.

Is it a good idea to give the council control of the bus lanes?

Ian Duff, 65, retired university lecturer, North Berwick said: "It's a good idea since the money would be spent locally, rather than being sucked up and lost in some national law enforcement scheme."

Nazar Farid, 37, retailer, Cockburn Street said: "I think it's a great idea. It would take the pressure off the police, who have better things to do."

Sheila Fraser, 47, publican, Beveridge Close said: "I like the idea that the money will be spent locally and we can afford to decriminalise it as there's still plenty of other ways to get points on your licence."