MOTORISTS are being reminded to stay alert as the town's first-ever Red Route will go live from next week.

Reading Borough Council is hoping to crack down on delays to important bus services - such as the Purple 17 - by issuing warning notices before a fines system is implemented.

The restriction is being introduced in three sections, starting on Kings Road and running through Cemetery Junction along Wokingham Road, ending at the Three Tuns crossroad.

All existing parking, loading and disabled bays along the route will be retained and only disabled badge holders and taxis can stop to allow passengers to exit.

Councillor Tony Page, lead member for Transport, said: “Keeping key routes clear and free from unnecessary delays is essential to maintaining bus reliability and traffic flows.

"Red Routes have been successfully used in London for many years now and with great success. A Red Route for Reading is the next logical step in further speeding up bus journeys and making the service even more reliable.

Reading Chronicle: Cllr Tony Page

“The council receives regular complaints about illegal and dangerous parking, where people have blocked traffic flows or blocked pavements. Enforcement of a Red Route will help create a safer environment for local residents, pedestrians and cyclists.

“The council is determined to design a scheme tailored to local needs and there remains an opportunity for residents and local shopkeepers to view the scheme in operation and make further suggestions as part of the consultation process.

“Warning letters rather than fines will be issued to drivers, who have parked or stopped illegally, upon initial implementation of each section of the scheme. These will, however, be replaced by fines after this initial period.”

More than 4.5 million journeys were made along the Purple 17 bus route last year, with repeated delays caused by dangerous or illegal parking.

Fines will only be issued after the initial phase of the scheme is completed to ensure drivers understand how the Red Route will function.

The second section of Reading’s Red Route will be introduced from Mayfair to the town centre and the final section – in the town centre itself - will follow afterwards.