NEARLY 2,000 Chester bus lane cheats have been fined in just four weeks.

Back in September, the Standard reported on how the new Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC) Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras – set up for bus lanes on Chester Bus Interchange Access (off St Oswald’s Way), Upper Northgate Street (off the Fountains roundabout), Wrexham Road and Hough Green – had caught thousands of drivers flouting the law.

For the first four weeks of the cameras being in use, a total of 2,193 drivers received warning letters telling them if they continued to go in the bus lane when they were not allowed to do so from Monday, September 16, they would be fined up to £60.

But it appears many drivers did not heed the warning and, in the four weeks since September 16, a staggering 1,830 cars were caught on camera still using the bus lanes.

The cameras identify vehicles that drive in bus lanes and result in the owner receiving a £60 fine, which is reduced to £30 if it is paid within 14 days.

That means CWaC can expect to receive a minimum of £54,900 in fines, should all motorists identified cough up the money in 14 days, or up to a maximum of £109,800.

Speaking at the time the ANPR cameras were set up, Cllr Karen Shore, deputy leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport, said: “The vast majority of motorists do follow the rules but there is an irresponsible minority who drive in bus lanes, slowing up buses and disrupting other road users.

“The bus lane cameras help us manage the highway network, and encourage more people to cycle and use public transport, as journey times for public transport users will be improved.

Most of the existing bus lanes can also be used by taxis, private hire vehicles, motorcycles and pedal cycles. All lanes are clearly signed to indicate which vehicles are permitted in each case.”

The council added the cameras discourage irresponsible drivers who ignore traffic regulations and drive in bus lanes, slowing up public transport users.