REVEALED: The £1m bus lane where 50,000 drivers were caught in six months
Around 50,000 fines have been issued to drivers in six months who ignored warnings not to use the bus zone
Nearly £1 million has been made in fines from a bus lane in West Bromwich town centre in just six months.
Around 50,000 fines have been issued to drivers who have ignored warnings not to use the bus zone in New Street.
Thousands of motorists have continued to flout the rules by cutting through the pedestrianised zone, despite signage and warnings from council bosses.
The cameras were switched on in December and in just six months to the end of June, a total of 48,755 fines handed out, bringing in a huge £944,832 into Sandwell Council's coffers.
Drivers who cut through the bus lane, outside New Square shopping centre and Sandwell College’s Sixth Form Centre, face fines of up to £90.
Only buses, Hackney carriage taxis and cyclists are allowed to pass through. Initial fines are £60, but if paid within 14 days the total will be reduced to £30.
After the 14-day period the charge will stay at £60 and if it has still not been paid within 28 days it will rise to £90.
Council chiefs decided to act after tens of thousands of drivers routinely ignored restrictions by driving through the bus zone, which was said to be holding up buses in the town centre.
Despite the high number of fines, the council's highways boss Councillor David Hosell insisted indiscretions were gradually beginning to fall.
Councillor David Hosell, cabinet member for highways and environment, said: “The amount of fines following the introduction of the new regulations reflects the very high incidences of misuse of the bus lane in those early days.
"I am now very pleased that there is now a marked reduction in the amount of penalty notices being issued in this area.
“The action against drivers has led to a big reduction in the amount of vehicles this busy area which is making this area much safer for pedestrians than was the case before the camera was installed.”
Chiefs were hopeful the threat of a fine would have a similar impact as it has in other areas, such as Wolverhampton, where bus lane cameras around the city centre have proved successful in stopping drivers using the lanes.
The cameras in West Bromwich went live following a two-week grace period to allow drivers to get used to the new rules.
