A new bus gate in Preston city centre is planned to go live, with warnings issued to drivers who use it incorrectly.

The section of Corporation Street between Marsh Lane and Heatley Street in Preston city centre, near the university campus, will now give priority to buses in both directions, 24 hours a day.

Buses, Hackney Carriages and bicycles will be allowed to use this section of Corporation Street, but private-hire taxis won’t be able to.

Signage will be clearly displayed on Corporation Street and some approaching streets to warn drivers of the bus gate, to ensure people don’t use it when they shouldn’t.

Advanced warning notices have let people know the date before it starts.

No fines will be issued initially, with warning letters issued to those who use the bus gate when they shouldn’t.

Following a short grace period, Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) will then be issued to discourage people from driving down the bus gate when they shouldn’t.

Alterations are being made to the road network in the area to provide alternative routes.

The one-way street on Marsh Lane between Corporation Street and Friargate will be reversed to provide a route for drivers who find themselves at the bus gate and can’t use it, taking people back towards the university area.

People are urged to find out about the alterations to the network in this part of the city before they travel, as routes could be different to your previous journeys.

County Councillor Rupert Swarbrick, cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: “By reducing congestion on Corporation Street, we can increase the reliability for public transport and encourage more people to think about catching the bus.

“We won’t be issuing fines initially while people get used to the changes, so please be aware of the changes on these roads and follow the correct route using the clearly displayed signs.”

The grace period will last for an undisclosed time and we are encouraging people to comply with the new rules from Tuesday 21 May.

The bus gate is part of the Transforming Friargate North and Ringway scheme, which received funding from the government’s Transforming Cities Fund project. This is being delivered by Lancashire County Council, in partnership with Preston City Council and the University of Central Lancashire.