THREE Colchester bus lanes which have never been enforced are set to finally be monitored by highways bosses in a bid to deter a “high number” of illegal drivers.

Bus lanes in North Station Road, Hythe Hill and Hythe Station Road have been in place for some years but Essex County Council has never monitored the stretches.

But that will change from next month, when permanent cameras are installed.

County Hall bosses say they plan to give motorists one chance before issuing a £60 penalty notice.

An Essex Highways spokesman said: “For a limited period only, warning notices will be sent to drivers who use these bus gates illegally, giving them an opportunity to adjust their driving behaviour before penalty charge notices are issued to all offenders.

“No new restrictions are being introduced at these locations so the majority of road users will be unaffected by the introduction of cameras.

“However, those who do breach the regulations in future can expect to receive a Penalty Charge Notice of £60, which would reduce to £30 if paid within 14 days.”

Until now, the only way a driver could be caught is if a police officer spotted their transgression.

Residents in North Station Road will be able to access the road from the south entrance.

The move comes weeks after Essex County Council representatives met with Colchester Council counterparts to discuss how to improve public transport and cut congestion.

Ian Grundy, Essex County Council cabinet member for highways, said: “Bus gates and bus lanes are already enforceable by Essex Police, however, we have decided to install cameras at these sites due to the high number of people who continue to use them illegally.

“It is important they remain free to help buses run on time and reduce congestion.

“Any fines we receive from penalty charge notices are reinvested to help improve Essex’s road and transport network.”

Although the roads closed to general traffic, buses, motorcycles, bikes and taxis are free to use them.

Last year, the Gazette revealed how just two of Colchester's bus lanes were being monitored by Essex County Council. 

That came to light weeks after our investigation found thousands of drivers were flouting bus lane rules across Colchester.