Reading bus lane cameras raise £2m in fines for council

More than 197 fines a day were handed out to motorists caught driving in bus lanes in Reading last year

Motorists caught driving in bus lanes in Reading have paid out more than £2m in fines in the last year, according to the borough council.

In total 72,178 penalty charge notices were handed out in the last financial year - more than 197 a day on average.

But fines are down 25% from 96,690 the previous year despite extra cameras being installed in Basingstoke Road and Hemdean Road in the period.

The council now plans to install cameras in more bus lanes in the town.

Councillor Tony Page, deputy council leader, said: "I have no idea why people are not driving in bus lanes.

"I hope that it's because they are paying more attention to the signage and are aware that the bus lanes are being enforced by cameras.

"I would like to see every bus lane camera enforced, that's why the council is looking to extend camera enforcement of our bus lanes."

Motorists caught driving in bus lanes face a £60 penalty, which is halved if it is paid promptly.

Mr Page said funds raised from the fines were reinvested in the local transport network and environment.