Bus lanes earn £150k in Sandwell in just three months

The lanes in Hagley Road West, Oldbury, and Walsall Road, West Bromwich, became operations in July.

Thousands of motorists have been caught out in that time with 8,361 tickets issued.

The bus lanes were introduced to reduce congestion and money earned from them will be reinvested on the borough's roads.

Councillor Jackie Taylor, cabinet member for sustainable transport, said: “We must encourage the use of sustainable transport options to give priority for buses which might be held up in traffic congestion and we are pleased we have greatly reduced the amount of traffic using these bus lanes illegally.

“We would much rather drivers follow the rules and not receive a penalty but if you contravene a rule while driving in a bus lane, you should expect to receive a penalty if caught.

“Money raised under this scheme goes towards local highway safety issues and projects.

“There are too many cars not only congesting bus lanes but also the roads. I am eager to see car drivers consider either car sharing, using public transport or using alternative transport.

"This is a challenge for all car drivers but is something that is achievable. I would welcome the views of car drivers on this.”

A break down of the statistics showed that the bus lane have earned council coffers £151,295.

The lanes became operational in June 14.

In the first two weeks motorists were let off and just given warning notices.

A total of 2,302 warnings were made in Oldbury and 2,316 in West Bromwich.

The Oldbury lane has earned the most money to date with a total of £109,560 made from 5,983 fines.

The West Bromwich lane has made £41,735 from 2,378 fines.

Another bus lane in West Bromwich, on New Street, earned £2million in two years.