It could look like another cask generator or just a way of making the traffic move faster through congested areas. Whatever the view CCTV will monitor the bus lanes and record the number plates of any vehicle slipping into it.

This makes sense for in rush hour traffic to get the buses through the traffic, but in some areas such as Bristol, the council have created a bus lane just one hundred metres in length which is some drivers feel makes no difference to the traffic but will generate fines of £60 (£30 if paid within twenty eight days).

High Blaydon, a spokesperson for the Association of British Drivers said, “Anyone who installs a bus lane which is as short as the one on Temple Way needs their head read.

“It’s nonsensical. All it seems to achieve is causing an obstacle to traffic. Is it any wonder motorists who are fed up of waiting in traffic then drive along it?

“The police need to question what they are doing standing at the roadside waiting for these motorists when no doubt people are being robbed and mugged while they are stood there handing out their £30 fines.”

In a test with lasted an hour and half, the police caught twenty six drivers all received a fine, which just goes to prove how much income could be generated over a longer period when the bus lane is monitored through CCTV and tickets are just issued as and when an offence occurs.

PC Nick King, the neighbourhood beat manager for the area, said “Drivers of all ages and gender were found to be breaking the law.

“Most admitted they just don’t like waiting in the static traffic at the end of the day.

“We carried out this operation in response to concerns from members of the public and we will continue to carry out similar operations in the coming weeks.”

Bristol council will be installing around a hundred number plate reading CCTV cameras, these will automatically send out a fine when a driver uses the bus lane.

Mr King added: “Bus lanes can only be used by buses, taxis and motorcycles.

“This operation should send a clear message to other motorists that they cannot use bus lanes and anyone found to be doing so will receive a fixed penalty notice.

“We do not want to fine people however, and I hope that motorists will heed the warning, such behaviour will not be tolerated.

“This operation is in response to concerns from members of the public and shows that we will listen to residents’ views and act on them where we can.”

Source [This is Bristol]