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Brighton’s new Lewes Road bus lanes are legally enforceable from Monday (30 September), say Brighton & Hove City Council.

Many students, staff and visitors travel to and from campus along Lewes Road by car, bus or bicycle or on foot.

The council says drivers have been observing the bus lanes well, even before enforcement.

In future any vehicles apart from buses and taxis in the lanes risk a £60 fine, reduced to £30 for quick payment. By law any fines collected can be spent only on transport measures.

Deputy council leader and lead councillor for transport, Ian Davey, said: “Our approach is to try to make it easier for everyone to get about. So this route will be better and quicker for buses and taxis and more pleasant and safer for pedestrians and cyclists.”

In 2011 the Council won £4.2m of government funding for the scheme to improve the transport flows, ‘street scene’ and air quality along and around Lewes Road.

The main phase of construction – including junction improvements and the installation of new bus shelters and cycle lanes - started in January 2013. These physical works, including the new bus lanes, have cost around £1m.

An official opening ceremony will take place in Wild Park on 5 October.

Feedback received as part of the Council’s consultation in 2012 is being used to help shape plans for the Vogue Gyratory. The plans will be made available for the public to view before improvements to this junction start, probably in the new year.