Arundel Gate: Sheffield City Council issues update on controversial traffic ban which has raised more than £2m

The bus gate on Arundel Gate was introduced in March last year to cut air pollution, speed up buses and improve public space to 'drive investment'.

It snared more than 66,000 motorists in its first 12 months, raising more than £2m in fines.

But nitrogen dioxide pollution levels have plunged, according to Sheffield City Council. 

Now, councillors are set to make the restriction permanent.

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A report states: “Following the implementation of the bus gate at Arundel Gate in March 2023, the level of NO2 in the bus-gate area has dropped by 27 per cent in 2023. This has brought the area within legal NO2 levels in 2023 - compared to the previous year, when it was not compliant.

“Members of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee will also be asked, on Wednesday July 24, to approve plans to make bus gates on Arundel Gate and Furnival Gate permanent in order to continue to improve the air we breathe in those two locations.”

Installed in March 2023, the restriction on Arundel Gate bans all traffic except buses, taxis and private hire cars from driving north towards High Street beyond the Novotel hotel. It was introduced on an 18-month trial which ends in September. The penalty is £70, or £35 if paid within 21 days.

In May, The Star revealed that in the year to April the authority issued 65,946 penalties on Arundel Gate and 6,980 on Furnival Gate. In total, some 118,953 fines were issued citywide, raking in up to £5m, the second highest of all UK metropolitan councils.

The council says the money is "restricted in legislation".

A spokesperson said previously: "Any surplus from its operation contributes towards highway maintenance and will in the 24/25 financial year provide additional funding for the public transport levy."

In April, The Star revealed a roundabout is set to be installed to make it easier for drivers to avoid the bus gate on Arundel Gate after signage was criticised by a Traffic Penalty Tribunal adjudicator.