DRIVERS in Warrington who get caught out by bus lane cameras have been forced to pay more than £830,000 in 15 months.

A freedom of information request by the Warrington Guardian revealed the high figures for the five bus lanes across town equipped with cameras between January 2018 and May 16, 2019.

Drivers who use the bus lanes unlawfully can face a charge of £60, or £30 if paid within 14 days.

Any ticket not paid before the end of the 28-day period will be subject to an extra charge of 50 per cent, increasing the fine to £90.

Warrington Guardian: Which Warrington bus lanes to watch out forWhich Warrington bus lanes to watch out for

Between January 1, 2018 and May 16, 2019, the council collected £837,072 from bus lane fines.

The most lucrative bus lane by more than £250,000 is Bridge Street’s, just off Bridge Foot roundabout.

It raked in £371,800 from 12,782 penalty notices.

Winwick Road Bus Gate next to The Halliwell Jones Stadium took £121,141 from 4,270 penalties while Birchwood Bus Gate was close behind taking £111,081 from 3,780 notices.

Legh Street bus lane which forbids drivers from turning left out of Golden Square car park or right from Bath Street took £95,850 in 4,258 fines and Knutsford Road made £137,200 from 4,608 penalty notices.

Warrington Guardian: Bus lane fines Bus lane fines

Cllr Hans Mundry, cabinet member for highways and transportation at Warrington Borough Council, said: “Bus lanes ensure speedier travel and improved reliability for passengers as well as making buses a more attractive proposition.

“We use our powers to enforce bus lane contraventions so these benefits can be maintained for passengers.

“Bus lanes encourage sustainable travel choices which is a major objective of our draft local transport plan.

“The plan aims to reduce congestion, cut carbon emissions, improve health and enhance public transport links with key services and amenities.

“More passengers on buses means fewer people on the road, so bus lanes support our wider objectives to make the town centre less car-dominated and create new opportunities to travel in different, healthier ways.

“Where motorists use bus lanes or bus gates where they are not permitted, penalty charge notices may be issued. In accordance with the legislation of the Transport Act any monies left over, after enforcement costs, are reinvested in full on the provision of transport services and improvements.”

In May the council introduced new hours and cameras on the bus lane along Wilderspool Causeway – one of the town’s busiest and most congested roads.

Between 7.30am and 9.30am and from 4.30pm until 6.30pm, cameras will catch drivers heading towards Brian Bevan island.

The figures do not include the new cameras on Wilderspool Causeway as the penalty charges only came into action in June.

A spokesman for Warrington’s Own Buses said: “Bus lanes and enforcement are essential tools for improving the punctuality and journey time for buses.

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“Buses carry many customers and so there should be incentives to encourage modal shift to the bus instead of using a car, not least as we all strive to improve climate change, air quality and reduce traffic congestion.”