Over 200 bus lane warnings issued in first week

More than 200 motorists have been sent warning letters for driving in bus lanes since East Sussex County Council began a clampdown a week ago.

The council announced it would begin sending warnings to anyone caught illegally driving in two sections of bus lane in Telscombe Cliffs and St Leonards from 6 May.

As of 12 May, it had sent 173 letters to motorists incorrectly using the bus lane in Telscombe Cliffs and 74 to people in St Leonards.

Councillor Claire Dowling, the council's lead member for transport, said: "Enforcing these bus lanes on such a key coastal route will help to ease congestion and improve air quality by encouraging people to make use of the more reliable bus services."

The enforceable bus lane in St Leonards runs from the start of Grand Parade to the western most junction with Warrior Square.

In Telscombe Cliffs, the bus lane runs along the South Coast Road from the junction of Ambleside Avenue to the border of Brighton & Hove.

They have been in place for a number of years but the council has recently installed new digital cameras to catch people driving in them illegally and is sending out warning letters.

However, the "warning period" will come to an end and drivers will instead be sent £70 fines, although the council would not confirm when it would begin issuing the fines.

Ms Dowling said: "The misuse of bus lanes affects journey times for passengers and the reliability of public transport, as well as being frustrating for those motorists who follow the regulations."

Bus lanes are identified by road markings and signs, and are also separated from normal traffic lanes by a solid white line.

Money generated by bus lane fines will be reinvested into local transport, the council said.

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