As this hasn't resulted in a ticket yet, it seemed wrong to put it in the PCN discussion topic, so here's a quick question:
Could someone successfully claim boarding/alighting when stopped on a bus stop for less than 2 minutes? The boarder was not assisted.
Thanks
I'm sure you have looked at the Highway Code 243 where it says that you must not stop at a bus stop.
Others will have chapter and verse regarding signage.
Why not stop on double yellows to drop-off or pick-up passengers, AFAIK that is permitted.
I'm afraid that there are numerous instances online of penalties being issued for stopping at a bus stop to drop off or pick up passengers.
Whether you have actually been caught or not is another matter.
What bus stop?
If it's marked and signed as a no stopping clearway that's what it says on the tin - no stopping. There are exemptions but certainly not boarding/alighting.
Some bus stops have no restrictions.
it's OK as long as you're driving a bus
it's OK as long as you're driving a bus
Even that's dodgy these days, as most 'bus stops now seem to have a 'Local 'Buses Only' plate.
Tho' some here in Great Yarmouth have time plates: 6am-7pm IIRC, a practice TfL might consider for some of their less used stops (and 'bus lanes!).
I do it all the time, but then I drive buses. In London, you never know which stops have cameras and which don't, so don't risk it. lot of drivers seem to be dyslexic, mistaking the big words in the road BUS STOP to mean car park. They've even put big yellow lines at the edge of the road for those who have difficulty knowing what the white words mean.
But if you're caught, have a look for the yellow plate at the bus stop that says something like no stopping except buses, that means any bus can stop there. No stopping except local buses means a bus on a regular services, not buses on private hire.
Outside London the counties have their own local definitions. I know in Surrey all bus stops used to be classed as bus stands which means buses can stop there for any length of time. A lot of county bus stops are just a sign by the road with no other stopping restrictions. But it's the writing on the road, the yellow line and the yellow sign that make the difference. In London don't even think about stopping on a bus stop unless you're driving. bus or traffic dictates otherwise.
@roythebus, as I understand it this whole process is an example of non-verbal communication: everything relies upon the markings and signs. WYSIWYG.
So, IMO it's impossible to answer a question unless the markings and signs are known.
Yep, it all depends on the sign. Even if it's a road no longer served by buses, if it's signed as a bus stop you still can't stop there unless the upright sign has mysteriously vanished.
Just as an amusing diversion.
I used to regularly use a bus stop near Birmingham Airport. It was frequently blocked by parked cars unloading airport passengers.
One day I just had enough of it, pulled the coach up close and held the loud air horn on continuously.
Out stepped two fully armed Airport Police Officers, was I embarrassed!
They had a look around stepped back in and drove off, what a relief.
I suppose if this had happened in a more authoritarian country I might have had a spell in hospital.
Coachdriver.
Funny x 1
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