Nearly 400 drivers caught by new bus lane camera in just two weeks

A camera was put up on South Walls on November 12 to try and stop motorists flouting the laws and 377 have already been caught, the Express & Star can reveal.

Motorists caught in the act can now expect fines to drop through their doors.

The cameras were put up after council bosses decided enough was enough as drivers had routinely been ignoring signs and taking illegal short-cuts.

Despite warnings the cameras would be going live, a total of 377 drivers were caught - nearly 30 a day on average.

Those snapped by the camera will be fined £60, which will be reduced to £30 if paid within 28 days.

Staffordshire County Council bosses said they were disappointed so many motorists were flouting the rules but hoped fines would get the message across.

Roads boss Helen Fisher said: “The latest figure is that there have been 377 contraventions since the system went live.

“It’s disappointing because the rules haven’t changed at South Walls: we have simply increased enforcement to protect the greater number of pedestrians using the shops, bars and cafes in that part of the town centre.

“The introduction of the enforcement camera has been well-publicised in advance and additional signs placed at either end of the bus lane. I would urge drivers to follow the Highway Code and use the legal routes.”

The action came after cars, motorbikes and private hire taxis have been continuously ignoring road signs from the roundabout at the junction of Greengate Street and Mill Bank which should only be used by buses, Hackney cab taxis and cyclists.

The camera will also catch all vehicles travelling west along South Walls that ignore the ‘no entry’ signs at the junction with Greengate Walk and continue to the Greengate Street and Mill Bank roundabout.