Couple's Bus Lane Fine Cancelled After Apology

A bus lane fine has been cancelled, with an apology issued after a couple received two penalties for a single rule breach in Reading.

A bus lane fine has been cancelled after a couple in Reading received two penalties for the same offence.

Philip Webb drove his wife Maria to the town centre for a train drop-off on Stanshawe Road, which is restricted to buses, taxis, and cyclists only. On July 18, Mr Webb was fined for entering the bus lane.

Mrs Webb explained, “He didn’t know it was a bus lane and wouldn’t have done it if he had known.” They quickly paid the reduced charge of £35 within 14 days and even delivered their cheque in person on September 17.

However, Mrs Webb later received a £105 PCN. She said, “The left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing – we use the same car and we’re both insured. We’ve paid the fine and have a receipt.”

The council subsequently apologised for the confusion, admitting it was an internal processing error that caused the second fine to be issued. They stated that the payment was not reflected in the online record, triggering the follow-up notice.

A spokesperson added that the council had implemented measures to prevent similar issues. Generally, the penalty for driving in a bus lane is £70, reducing to £35 if paid promptly. In 2023/24, there were 2,540 bus lane fines issued in Stanshawe Road, a rise of 49% compared to the previous year.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter