DRIVERS could face penalties for driving in bus lanes with new cameras set to monitor two routes.

Bus lanes on Knutsford Road and lower Bridge Street will have automatic number plate recognition cameras installed in a bid to stop motorists driving illegally on them.

Owners of vehicles who use the bus lanes illegally could then receive a fine of £60, or £30 if paid within 14 days.

The camera on Knutsford Road bus lane, which operates between the hours of 7.30am and 9.30am, will go live at the beginning of July while the Bridge Street route will be monitored from the start of August.

Cllr Hans Mundry, Warrington Borough Council’s executive board member for transport and highways, said: “The aim of these schemes is to help provide a more reliable bus service and increase passenger numbers by enabling buses to have a more reliable journey along some of the most congested roads, as well as stopping other vehicle drivers abusing the bus lanes.

“Hopefully this will go some way in attracting people out of their cars, thus reducing congestion and at the same time improving air quality.”