Over 11,000 fines were reportedly issued to motorists in just over a month, so much so that the council have had to revoke the fixed penalty notices.
Last year, a new bus gate was introduced to stop cars from turning off Vicar Lane and onto Lady Lane between the hours of 5am and 10pm to improve public transport access in the city centre.
A traffic enforcement camera was installed in October 2021 but didn't start issuing fines, just warning notices, until November.
The bus lane is between Lady Lane and Vicar Lane in Leeds city centre. / Image: Leeds City Council
Between 1 November and 9 December 2021, the council have conformed that 11,159 notices were issued. Out of this unprecedented number of fines, a whopping. 1,261 were appealed, just under 10% of the total number issued and £142,410 had been paid in fines by drivers.
As a result, the council have reconsidered the fixed penalty notices' and refund the costs of all penalty notices that have been paid to date, as well as allowing all appeals to be submitted and dismissing any further outstanding notices.
The issue was brought to the council's attention by Coun Conrad Hart-Brooke, who submitted a question to the council’s ruling Executive Board, asking: “How many bus lane camera tickets have been issued by the camera on Vicar Lane/Lady Lane since it went live last year?”
He went on to ask about further fines and policies and was given a written response stating the refunds of current and past fines, equating to a staggering £142,410.
The senior councillor that responded to Mr Hart-Brooke stated that the camera was placed to help aid the long-term strategy of improving the roads in the city centre for public transport. At present this only affects the traffic on Vicar Lane and Lady Lane, but it is proposed that the council should convert the stretch of Vicar Lane north of the Headrow into a two-way street to close traffic to New Briggate altogether.
This doesn't mean that the penalty notices will disappear altogether. The council acknowledge the current road marketing are not sufficient, although meeting minimum legal requirements, and new measures are going to be drawn up, with a view of implementing these changes as soon as possible.
It is thought the additional measures will include additional signing and carriageway markings.
Ever-evolving Leeds music hotspot TESTBED is making its grand return to Leeds city centre with an impressive launch party lineup.
Recognised as a cultural venue for bringing people together via music, TESTBED has hosted a variety of club nights in its warehouse location since 2024.
Back in April, it was announced that the team behind this rave-centric club were transforming this space from it's 'Phase 1.3' to 'Phase 2.0'.
Now, TESTBED has released the full lineup for its upcoming launch party which will show off some of the venue's latest features like its 360-degree DJ booth, improved acoustics and 5,000 sq ft mezzanine and balcony area.
Annie Mac is headlining the TESTBED Leeds launch party joined by Horse Meat Disco / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)
Previous performers include Liverpool dance music duo Camelphat, house music DJ Alisha, Netherlands-own Chris Stussy and more, so it will come as no surprise that this relaunch features an equally-stellar lineup.
Fronting the bill for the TESTBED Launch Party is none other than EDM connoisseur and influential figure Annie Mac, who's hosted a variety of radio shows across the BBC as well as curating a set or two herself.
Also in attendance is Horse Meat Disco, a group who put disco and queer culture at the forefront of each and every high-energy set.
Irish selector Shee is also showing off his music expertise and already having collaborations with the likes of A-trak and Karma Kid, expect to hear some tunes.
Shee and Junior Simba will be taking to the decks to wow the crowds over at TESTBED Leeds / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)
Seasoned club DJ and presenter Marcia Carr, known for playing live sets with vinyl records, will also be soundtracking the night too, playing out everything from Afrohouse to dubstep.
Of course, it wouldn't be a Leeds-based party without some local talent courtesy of Junior Simba who's quickly become a key player in the house music scene.
And if that wasn't enough raving for you, TESTBED has already announced even more insane nights of music madness featuring ROSSI., Interplanetary Criminal and Obskür.
TESTBED's opening party is taking place on Saturday 3 October from 2pm til 12am and you can grab tickets from as little as £20 HERE.
Leeds Santa Dash is returning for 2026 and it’s set to be ‘bigger and better’ than ever
Emily Sergeant
Leeds' famous Santa Dash is returning for 2026, and it's set to be 'bigger and better' than ever.
Back by popular demand with the festive season around the corner, The Trinity Leeds Santa Dash has confirmed its return for 2026 this December, with thousands of Santas set to hit the streets of the city centre with festive fun, Christmas cheer, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
No matter whether you're taking part with your family, friends, colleagues, or little ones, organisers say it's the 'perfect way' to kick-start your festive season.
This iconic event welcomes everyone to take part - you can either jog, walk, or wheel your way around the 5K route, soaking up the sights and sounds of the city as you celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, and prams are also welcome too, making it a fantastic festive day out for all ages and abilities.
And this year, it's set to be bigger and better than ever, as there's an exciting new city centre route.
All Santa suits are provided (except for those under three) with your race entry, and you'll also get an exclusive Trinity Leeds Santa Dash finisher medal once you make it over the line, as well as a festive chocolate treat to nibble on.
So, gather your fellow Santas, embrace the Christmas magic, and get ready to join one of Leeds' most joyful festive traditions.
The Trinity Leeds Santa Dash returns for 2026 on Sunday 6 December, and you can find out more and enter to take part in the race online here.
Sophie Smith -
26th January 2022 
