Drivers warned not to block East Side bus lanes

Five surveillance cameras along First and Second avenues in Manhattan went live Monday to catch drivers who linger too long in the bus lanes and cause delays. Violators can be ticketed at least $115.

The city isn’t saying exactly where the cameras are located, although they apparently cover those avenues from 125th to Houston streets.

“The challenging part about projects like the East Side bus and bike lanes (is that) we need to change the rules of the road and create a culture that better allows drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians to share the space,” said Assemblyman Brian Kavanagh (D-Manhattan).

Motorists, however, won’t automatically get a ticket just for entering the bus lane, which accommodates 54,000 passengers per day on the M15 line. They’re allowed to make a right turn from the lane as long as it is done within that block. They can also drop off or pick up passengers – they just can’t idle.

“As we await completion of the Second Avenue subway, we should do everything we can to keep long-suffering East Siders moving above ground,” said Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer.

More cameras are expected next year, when the city plans to install them along Fordham Road in the Bronx and 34th Street in Manhattan.