MOTORISTS can expect to be hit with a fine of up to $250 for breaking a new Manhattan law from July 18th onwards, as dozens more cameras have been installed to catch “wrong lane” drivers.
The fines will be issued to drivers for the improper use of bus lanes.
New law to fine “wrong way” drivers
This law is coming into effect today and will ban wrong lane driving on two routes in Manhattan.
AMNY has reported that vehicles improperly using bus lanes, blocking stops, or illegally double-parking on the M2 and M4 routes, will receive summonses.
To help catch the culprits, two more busses will be equipped with cameras.
The announcement comes as the 60-day warning period about the fines ends on Wednesday.
Fines of up to $250
Fines will start at $50 but can be as much as $250 for repeat offenders.
These two routes will join an additional 37 in the city that are using camera enforcement to monitor drivers.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) said more than 1,200 buses are now Automated Camera Enforcement (ACE) equipped, covering 510 miles of routes in the city.
Wrong lane drivers will be automatically caught on these cameras, which show license plate information, the location and time stamp details.
This footage and information is then sent to the Department of Transportation (DOT) for review.
Streets that use ACE are marked with signs indicating that the bus routes use the technology.
Law helps to reduce numbers of collisions
An MTA statement revealed: “These routes have also experienced a 20% reduction in collisions; and 5% to 10% estimated reduction in emissions.
“There has also been a 40% reduction in bus stops being blocked by vehicles on ACE routes.
“Only 9% of drivers commit more than two bus lane violations after being fined.”
This programme was launched in 2024, after state legislation was authorized in 2019 to allow camera enforcement on dedicated bus lanes.
It is in partnership with the DOT and the NYC Department of Finance (NYCDOF).
MTA New York City Transit Senior Vice President of Buses Frank Annicaro first announced ACE in 2024[/caption]
