Driver fears they broke law with 'six minute error' – but others praise 'skill'

A motorist has been left fretful over potentially flouting traffic rules, but others have told them they have nothing to worry about.

Taking to r/UKDriving on Reddit to share their predicament, the motorist sought advice on whether a "six minute difference" could lead to a fine or police involvement after entering a bus lane.

The original poster wrote: "There was a bus lane that had a sign that said it was running from 7am till 7pm. I drove in it at 6:54am which I thought was okay but I was the only car there while everyone else was on the lane next to it.

"Feels like I did something wrong as there was traffic due to rush hour but no one used the bus lane apart from me. So why didn't they? Will six mins make a difference?"

Other drivers were quick to chime in, quelling the original poster's concerns.

One remarked: "Congratulations, you've got observation skill way beyond the majority of people on the road. Hope you enjoyed your prize of having a private lane to yourself!"

Another referenced guidance from their driving instructor, who had stressed the importance of heeding road signs over mimicking other drivers. "This is absolutely normal," they confirmed.

"My driving instructor made a big point of telling me off for not reading the signs, so I always do this. There's usually either a p***k who gets offended that I'm doing something perfectly legal and tries to cut me up/block me from rejoining at the end of the bus lane, and half a dozen people who follow me once they realise the bus lane is not active."

While some fellow drivers agreed with the original poster's actions, some urged caution. One user said: "I tend to leave 15 minutes either side of the posted times to take account of any discrepancy between the clock in my car and the timer being used by any enforcement cameras."