Mobile gates to control reserved bus lanes

Summary

Bologna decided to supplement its electronic enforcement system that monitors intrusion of bus lanes with a mobile system that can be placed on different stretches of bus lanes to reduce violations on the entire bus network and improve the public transport offer.

Implementing sustainable mobility

Access control cameras connected to an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system have been progressively installed in the city since 2003 to prevent private vehicles from using bus lanes and improve the public transport service. Following the installation of eight electronic enforcement gates unauthorised use of bus lanes decreased by about 70 percent. However, Bologna realised that it is common knowledge among drivers where these cameras are located and continue to use bus lanes that are free of electronic enforcement. The city therefore decided to test a mobile ITS instrument.

The main objectives of the measure were to:

• Improve the punctuality of public transport; and
• Reduce bus lane violations in the entire city.

Bologna hoped that random controls of bus lanes through a mobile enforcement system would serve as a strong deterrent.

Progress

After a successful technical test, Bologna encountered several legal burdens, which led the municipality to stop the implementation of the measure. The deployment of mobile cameras for enforcement is not compatible with the legal framework that exclusively allows the use of fixed camera installations.

Outcomes

As the measure was not implemented, no results have been achieved.