Thank you TFL

[Danny]

For sending me a PCN for going in a bus lane.

They now automatically send a picture with the PCN.
I'm going to double check that the bus lane was in operation at the time and maybe try to find a loop hole.

Any ideas?

My initial one was that the clock on my bike broke (which it often does). But I doubt they'll accept that, I'll appeal it anyway as I've not nothing to loose.

Ken.

BTW usually I would be really p*ssed off, but the snow has calmed me down.

[Ste]

I hope you're feeling guilty, as most of London ground to a halt due to you using the bus lane

Doubt you'll find a way outta it if it was in use/ operation at the time (8:30am if i remember right from IRC)

[Danny]

I doubt I'll get out of it, but worth a shot.

I just asked if I can get an enlarged pic (the one they give is tiny) and they will, so at least I'll get a nice A4 pic to frame.

[Ian (GPX)]

WTF, have to watch out for those STEALTH TAX red lanes !

Getting to the stage where I should think about moving out of London and find a place near the south coast.

[chunkielad]

Is it not a Bus and Bicycle lane? If so your tax disc says bicycle on it - may be worth a try?
____________________
Mark Harrison R.I.P - 26th March 2003.
Remember you always and will ride in your honour.
Big revvs up for Mark!

[Danny]

I think that was has been tried unsuccessfully.

[Danny]

I just noticed that they also sent a nice information leaflet trying to lay a guilt trip on me.

"A £100 fine is nothing to smile about. And neither is 70 passengers stuck on a bus because there are vans and cars in the bus lane."

So can I smile about not holding up a bus because I'm on a bike?

[GFK]

[NSR125-Kid-UK]

I don't know about down there but Sheffield has a scheme encouraging motorcyclists to use bus lanes. Not sure what the terms and conditions are though.
____________________
https://www.bikepics.com/members/nsrandy/96rs250/ My Bike!

"I'm either going to teach andy to get his knee down, or I'm going to get him killed. One of the two" - Teaman

[Bendy]

Nope, there are maybe two bus lanes in London that motorbikes are allowed to use (M4 bus lane, Edgware Road), and that's your lot.

Don't think Danny will be getting away with it any time soon.

[Major_Grooves]

Remember my rant?

The one loophole I have heard of is that quite often bus lanes are introduced under a temporary traffic ruling. This has to be upgraded to a permanent status by the council once the trial period is up. If they fail to upgrade the bus lane then the ticket is invalid. I didn't know how to check bus lane legality and in the end couldn't be bothered finding out so I just paid, but if you have the time then maybe it is worth investigating.
____________________
About me|@Major_Grooves|My company|Digg|Flickr

[headlamp]

Just to correct Bendy, there are four roads in London where motorcyclists are allowed to ride in the bus lane - Finchley Road - too many buses & taxis, so most people still filter in the middle of the road, A23 Brixton Road, between Camberwell New Road and Streatham Common South, A13 East India Dock Road, between Abbott Road and Butcher Row East and M4 motorway bus/coach lane, but watch out for the cameras!

[Danny]

I called TFL and have to say they have been helpful and I didn't have to wait long on the phone.

I asked them where I could find out if the bus lane was temporary and when the trial period runs out. The person on the phone didn't have a clue and had to ask his supervisor, they said to check with the local council.

I called the local council and I am waiting for them to get back to me with the information.

[Bendy]

[Major_Grooves]

It's still an inconsistent law. Anybody coming from a sensible place where bikes are allowed in bus lanes would probably assume that they were allowed in the bus lane in London too, and just ride in it and knot know it was illegal till they got the nasty letter.
____________________
About me|@Major_Grooves|My company|Digg|Flickr

[Ian (GPX)]

[EuropeanNC30R...]

It may not be a stealth tax but it definitely sounds like a money-making operation. That or a vendetta against 2-wheelers

[Bendy]

Never had a problem myself reading them at 30mph. And if I'm looking for the times, I slow down. Helps me read more easily.

Do you need a speed limit sign every few miles on the motorway to tell you you're meant to be doing 70?

[Danny]

It says 'Major of London' on my PCN, guess who's not getting my vote.

[Bendy]

[EuropeanNC30R...]

I haven't ridden in London, but i'd have thought cars clogging up bus lanes would cause a lot more congestion than bikes using bus lanes?

[Bendy]

[Danny]

Bendy for Major.

[Kickstart]

[Danny]