70-metre bus lane in London rakes in £6 million

The AA has suggested a 70-metre bus lane in London should be reviewed - after it has pulled in £1 million a year from motorists.

The organisation says that the bus lane in Clapham Park Road, Clapham, has seen 100,000 people being fined by one single camera, and has netted Lambeth Council £6 million.

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A number of motorists have complained, suggesting that it is a form of "entrapment", as, some say, road markings are faded and signs are unclear.

Other drivers have complained that those who want to turn left at the spot inadvertently merge into the bus lane early for safety reasons.

Speaking to ITV News, AA president Edmund King said: "Whilst we support the use of bus lanes in the right places, functioning at the right times, we are totally opposed to 'entrapment' cameras on poorly designed or poorly signed bus lane junctions.

"If thousands of drivers are getting tickets at the same junction then something is wrong and that junction or bus lane should be reviewed."

However, Lambeth Council says the bus lane follow all standards and regulations.

According to the Evening Standard, a spokesman said: "Motorists who drive in bus lanes cause delays to bus passengers and commuters. Clapham Park Road is used by a vast number of motorists on a daily basis with the majority doing so without receiving a Penalty Charge Notice.

"The bus lane in Clapham Park Road is clearly marked and complies with all regulations and standards. We regularly check our signs and road markings where we enforce using CCTV to ensure we are compliant."

The Mirror reports that outside London, a junction in Glasgow is the second biggest money-spinner, taking more than £3 million in fines.

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