Calderdale Council is continuing its work to improve road safety, reduce congestion, and support reliable public transport, by introducing camera technology to assist with the enforcement of bus lane and bus gate restrictions.
There are several designated bus lanes and gates in the borough, with set hours of operation to prioritise bus travel, improving journey times for those using public transport.
The Council has powers to enforce bus lanes and gates to ensure they are used correctly and efficiently. These priority measures help keep buses moving, especially during peak times, and contribute to safer, more sustainable travel across the borough.
From early 2026, Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras will be introduced to enforce bus lanes and bus gates across six locations in the borough:
- Skircoat Road (A629), Halifax
- Huddersfield Road (A629), Halifax
- Ainley Top (A629), Huddersfield
- Burnley Road (A646), Trimmingham, Halifax
- Burnley Road (A646)/King Cross, Halifax
- Stainland Road (A6026), Halifax (bus gate)
These locations have been chosen based on surveys and knowledge of the road network.
Clear signage will be introduced to make people aware of the changes. For the first two weeks from introduction, enforcement for first-time offenders will take the form of a warning letter. Penalty Charge Notices will only start to be issued after the warning period.
Residents and businesses near enforcement sites have been notified, and anyone with questions, concerns or comments about the changes and how they may impact work or travel, can share feedback at MTE.Consultation@calderdale.gov.uk, up to Sunday 21 December 2025.
Ensuring that bus priority measures are used correctly and efficiently will make bus journeys quicker and more reliable, improve road safety, reduce congestion, and cut emissions to help meet Calderdale’s climate goals. It will also support wider transport improvements across West Yorkshire.
Any income from penalty notices will go back into improving local transport and the environment.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, Cllr Sarah Courtney, said:
“Bus priority measures are in place in several locations in the borough, helping to support more efficient bus journeys, minimising delays at peak times and reducing congestion.
“When these lanes are used by other vehicles, or when cars are parked illegally in times of operation, it can be incredibly frustrating, not only for bus users who find their journey disrupted, but also for the vast majority of drivers who follow the rules of the road.
“As part of our work to support safer roads and communities, we’re stepping up our enforcement by introducing camera technology in bus lanes/gates. The changes will be in place from early 2026 and will be clearly promoted. An initial warning period will also be in place before any fines are introduced.”
Further information about plans for bus lane enforcement can be found at calderdale.gov.uk/bus-lane-enforcement(external link)