CCTV installed in Wolverhampton city centre rat run

The section of Pipers Row between Lichfield Street and Berry Street is pedestrianised - but in the space of just one hour last month, 132 cars and three motorbikes illegally drove through the zone.

As reported in the Express & Star this week, bus lane cameras will be installed at five city centre streets by next April if the council approves the plans.

And if the scheme, which could rake in £250,000 in fines in 12 month, is a success, it will be rolled out on Pipers Row, as well as on Market Street and Ring Road St David's.

Drivers flouting the rules will be issued a penalty charge notice of £70.

Although the section of Pipers Row has long been a pedestrian zone, the overhaul of city roads in August has led to hundreds of drivers using it as a short cut to and from the ring road. Buses and taxis are allowed to use the road.

Councillor Peter Bilson, cabinet member for economic regeneration and prosperity, said: "We aren't looking to catch anyone out. We will be making people very aware that the cameras are being introduced and publicise the fact before they go live.

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"Any money raised over and above the costs of introducing the scheme will be invested back into Wolverhampton's roads. As long as people obey the law and don't drive in bus lanes, they have nothing at all to worry about."

The plan to install bus lane cameras will see the council take over responsibility for bus lane enforcement from the police.

Penalty charge notices of £70 would be issued to any motorists driving in bus lanes,which would increasing to £105 if not paid with 28 days, or halved to £35 if paid within 21 days.

Any surplus cash raised by fines will be used to improve the city's roads and public transport.

A report to councillors states that competing pressures and priorities on police time have led to inconsistent enforcement of bus lanes, with the result being that many motorists now have blatant disregard for the law.

In the first year it is expected fines issued to drivers flouting bus lane rules on Cleveland Street, Stafford Street, Wednesfield Road, Wolverhampton Road and Willenhall Road, will total £250,000.

A recent sample of the five roads saw 240 drivers breaking the rules in 12 hours.