WARNING WELLESLEY ST BUS LIGHT

[Devil]

their own website states that certain types of vehicle are allowed to use the bus prioity lanes, then only refers to buses throughout the rest of the page????

Like fuck I wil move out of my way if I am legally entilled to be there, they can wait! they can hit me if they would like an assualt with a motorvehicle charge

Hmm, bus versus motorbike, let me think about that one. I know which vehicle id rather be on at the time.

[sAsLEX]

ok, bad news time, but will still fight it.

Bus lanes are controlled by the council and hence they give tickets etc.
The bus light thing is LTSA and therfore local laws are irrellavent with respect to this. Therefore there is no way I can use the new bus priority lane at the lower end of wellesly street unless I go through the amber light, and not the bus light as only buses can use the stupid light meaning that even though I am allowed to drive down that bus only strectch of road the only way I can do it is if I cant slow down saftely for the orange light? Still going to see about this?? A well written letter might, pushing shit uphill with a rake talking logic to police(traffic), get me off. otherwise see to it that the lights get changed so that the lane becomes a true bus priority lane such as was the councils policy.

[Marmoot]

(First, please forgive me for being so negative)

The situation might be the same as this. Imagine if you want to go left but there is a car wanting to go straight queuing in front of you in a traffic light. The left turn light signals green but the straight light signals red. You are being held up as the front car cannot move (although there might be another lane on the right, this straight-going car happens to be in your lane).
(this is a common problem in Pt. Chev intersection going into Carrington Road from Great North Road)

The bus, then, need to wait behind you if you decide to wait until the "general" light goes green.

Both rules are stupid but they are a fact of life, I guess.
I do really hope they would realize the mistake and change the rule soon before anybody got hurt.

On the light of it, if you really fight it well then a good judge might see the point and acquit you based on extenuating circumstances. Hope for the best but prepare for the worst

[spudchucka]

Is there a law against that?? What is the fine?? Any demerit points??

Oscar better watch out then.

It is a determining factor in whether discretion might be appropriate. Thats all.

[spudchucka]

Watch out Saslex, you're about to step on that slippery slope called principle, and we all know where that leads, eh Spud......to bitterness and twistedness.

You are becoming the expert on that subject bikerboy.

[MikeL]

I've been following this thread with interest but have not posted anything because I'm unsure of the exact regulations. The fact that I am now totally confused may simply reflect the fact that senility and copious amounts of alcohol have knocked out billions of my brain cells. On the other hand there is a remote possiblity that nobody else knows what the f*ck is going on with these damned bus lane/light by-laws/regulations/traffic laws or whatever.

I use the Symonds St bus lane from time to time, and at the intersection with Khyber Pass I go on the "B" signal (I hesitated once and got hooted at impatiently by the bus driver behind). I assume that I am entitled to. I don't know. But it seems logical that if I am legally in a bus lane I should proceed on the "B" light... Otherwise I will hold up the traffic...

The new Wellesley St arrangements seem to be in a different category. The road isn't marked as a bus lane, there is no special "B" light. The "Buses Only" sign probably has a different legal status from the green bus lanes and the "B" light. But possibly not. Who knows? I would have thought that someone in either LTSA or Council or the Police should be able to give a definitive ruling. If they are as confused as I am, God help us all.

[Devil]

I've been following this thread with interest but have not posted anything because I'm unsure of the exact regulations. The fact that I am now totally confused may simply reflect the fact that senility and copious amounts of alcohol have knocked out billions of my brain cells. On the other hand there is a remote possiblity that nobody else knows what the f*ck is going on with these damned bus lane/light by-laws/regulations/traffic laws or whatever.

I use the Symonds St bus lane from time to time, and at the intersection with Khyber Pass I go on the "B" signal (I hesitated once and got hooted at impatiently by the bus driver behind). I assume that I am entitled to. I don't know. But it seems logical that if I am legally in a bus lane I should proceed on the "B" light... Otherwise I will hold up the traffic...

The new Wellesley St arrangements seem to be in a different category. The road isn't marked as a bus lane, there is no special "B" light. The "Buses Only" sign probably has a different legal status from the green bus lanes and the "B" light. But possibly not. Who knows? I would have thought that someone in either LTSA or Council or the Police should be able to give a definitive ruling. If they are as confused as I am, God help us all.

You must have missed my post. I checked with the council. You're not allowed to use the B light.

The Wellesley St one however seems to be one single fuckup. I think there is ONLY a B light, so technically theres no way you can go through even though its a bus only/lane thingy. Unless as mentioned previously you went through the amber, but I dont think you could argue that successfully if you got pinged.

[sAsLEX]

yeah bus lanes within auckland are available to us, but according to LTSA plonks that write the rules regarding lights they think only buses use these 'bus lanes' but local councils decide who use them!

so the situation is that while legally travelling in an ackl city bus priority lane, if you encounter an illuminated 'B' signal and no corresponding green disc, you must stop and wait for a green disc before you may proceed. Even if you are holding up about seven buses this is the law and you must stick to it! even if it is against common sense/ logic, which of course the LTSA dont have.

After looking at the current draft legislation on the ltsa website it seems that the LTSA has overlooked this fact that bus lanes are open to more than just buses, which can create dangerous circumstances, with the width of buses and their speed, the councils suggestion that while waiting at the light we just move out of the way a little would be suicide.

[Devil]

the councils suggestion that while waiting at the light we just move out of the way a little would be suicide.

Nah that was my suggestion, eg. If you end up in the situation where you hit the red in a bus lane, get the hell out of there.

[sAsLEX]

talked at length to a guy who was real helpful at the council yesterday, and that was what he suggested I think you posted it to.


so a question, if this goes to court how much will it cost *if* I lose??

[Devil]

talked at length to a guy who was real helpful at the council yesterday, and that was what he suggested I think you posted it to.


so a question, if this goes to court how much will it cost *if* I lose??

Well. hmm. Personally, if you cant get off it by writing a letter, i'd just pay it and put it behind you. File that in your "What not to do next time" cabinet.

I dont know if the costs would be worth it (sorry cant help you with exactly what they'd be).

[sAsLEX]

yeah I think that would probally be the best idea, but this has kinda annoyed me so might continue on my crusade.

Since before using the bus lanes I checked on the council website which ok'ed it, along with cops and stuff I asked who said it would be sweet paticular cop even said he would mind if I took off and split my merry way past the traffic. ( was a even), I find it annoying that I have been charged.

[Posh Tourer :P]

I just use the B lights... If anyone wants to pull me up on it, so be it, write a letter, pay the fine if it doesnt work.

MikeL, not all bus lanes are painted green....I got that from our local council Propaganda publication, City (ob)Scene. So green or not, just use the buggers... I think this came up when people didn't want to wreck the look of Tamaki Dr, but still wanted a bus lane

[spudchucka]

talked at length to a guy who was real helpful at the council yesterday, and that was what he suggested I think you posted it to.


so a question, if this goes to court how much will it cost *if* I lose??

A fine plus court costs, usually around $130. It'd be worth I reckon, this whole thing sounds like a load of bollocks to me, (you getting the ticket I mean).

[Ghost Lemur]

Definitely sounds like a mixup that needs to be tested out in court.

They'll either go in your favour, saying you were legally using the lane, therefore you must be able to legally use the light. Otherwise it'll cause problems.

Or they'll say the LTSA has higher ranking than the council, therefore because you aren't allowed to use the lights, the council shouldn't be letting you use the lane.

If you don't mind taking the extra financial risk (court costs), I'd say run with it to the courts. That way you'll be getting a decision one way or another for everyone.

If you just write in and get off, then IMHO it's only as far as you are concerned and does nothing for the other riders who get done later for it.