Eye spy: CCTV cameras introduced on busy Auckland bus lane

Fanshawe St, where CCTV cameras are now monitoring the bus lane.

Big brother is spying on motorists in Auckland from today with the introduction of CCTV cameras on the busy Fanshawe St bus lane.

Auckland Transport has installed the first set of CCTV cameras on Fanshawe St with the ability to monitor motorists and issue fines 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Until now, enforcement officers with a mobile camera on the footpath have been monitoring the bus lane for up to three hours.

The final decision on whether or not an infringement will be issues still lies with a real person and all footage will be reviewed by an enforcement officer

Spokesman, Auckland Transport

Two cameras are installed on the bus lane leaving the city, before and after the BP petrol station, between Nelson St and Halsey St. Motorists will only get fined if they are caught on both cameras.

An Auckland Transport spokesman said Fanshawe St was the first bus lane to be monitored by CCTV cameras. Others will follow, depending on the availability of suitable fibre technology, which could be some time away.

Fanshawe St was chosen because it carries more than 5000 people during the morning peak hour, compared to 1800 people in cars on the two general traffic lanes, the spokesman said.

"The final decision on whether or not an infringement will be issued still lies with a real person and all footage will be reviewed by an enforcement officer," the spokesman said.

The Fanshawe St bus lane operates 24/7 and no stopping is permitted.

Auckland Transport is reminding motorists if they want to turn left, this can be done 50 metres from their turn. Turning left beyond 50m can result in a fine.

Bus lanes are for buses, motorcycles, scooters and cyclists.

For more information go to: www.AT.govt.nz