An average of 14 fines A DAY issued on Northumberland's only bus lane in Laverock Hall Road, Blyth

A freedom of information request by the Local Democracy Reporting Service revealed that the council issued 5,021 fines to vehicles for being in the bus lane in Laverock Hall Road in Blyth between November 1 2021 and October 31 2022.

This works out at an average of around 14 fines per day.

The bus lane opened in October 2020, and between then and the end of October 2021, a total of 4,320 fines were issued.

Local authorities generally set bus lane fines at £35, rising to £70 if they are not paid within two weeks – meaning the council could have raked in between £175,735 and £351,470 from just that one bus lane.

The camera enforcement system went live following the building of a new roundabout at the western edge of the stretch of road between Benridge Park and Portland Wynd. The road had long been busy only, but the roundabout saw increasing use by private cars, causing extra traffic.

Residents were concerned both over the additional traffic and some speeding drivers, which they said was causing a danger to families.

Only local bus services and emergency vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians will be permitted to pass through the bus gate. Other traffic must use the A1061 and B1523 roads to travel through the area.

Coun Cliff Humphrey, who represents the Newsham ward that contains the bus lane, said he had not received complaints despite the high number of fines issued.

Coun Humphrey said this week: “I haven’t had any complaints. People had been messaging that it was being used a lot.

“My personal opinion is that all the traffic from Bebside drives that way to get out of Blyth and it is a rat run. I’ve had one or two residents who have commented about opening it back up, particularly when Newcastle Road and South Newsham Road was closed between June and September.

“I haven’t had anyone saying it should be opened up since the relief road project moved forward.”