18,000 bus lane fines in Birmingham 'to be reviewed'

A tribunal ruled the signs on Priory Queensway were "inadequate and confusing"

Birmingham City Council says it is to review 18,000 fines issued to motorists caught driving in bus lanes in the city.

About 100,000 fines have been issued since the council erected 10 city centre cameras in September.

But last month a tribunal upheld two appeals against the penalties after ruling the signs were "not adequate".

Now the council said it will look at 18,000 cases, the number of fines currently being disputed by drivers.

'Case-by-case basis'

The Independent Traffic Penalty Tribunal found signs were "inadequate or confusing" in three places: the Priory Queensway from Colmore Circus towards Old Square; St Martin's Queensway and Moor Street Queensway.

The Birmingham Mail in November published complaints from drivers, some of whom were visiting the nearby children's hospital.

Ian Ward, deputy leader of the Labour-run authority, told BBC News he felt the signs were adequate but would abide by the ruling.

"For all those individuals that receive a fine and made representation in the past, even if you have paid the fine, we will still review the fine on a case-by-case basis and if we believe you have a case, we will refund your money.

"We accept most of what the adjudicator has recommended.

"We will be putting up additional signage, we'll also be putting up a small camera signage to inform people there are cameras in the city centre."