The number of hits registered by Essex County Council bus lane cameras has almost tripled in two years.

The council caught 95,740 people driving illegally though bus gates in 2018 – up from 32,716 in 2016.

The council says the measures enable traffic to run more smoothly.

The most recent enforcement cameras were turned on in Duke Street, Chelmsford, in August 2017, and have already snared 54,242 drivers.

The council had netted £1,525,468 from that camera alone by December last year.

County Hall operates just 12 cameras across nine bus lanes in Chelmsford, Colchester and Basildon.

Money raised by the penalties is reinvested in public transport and roads across Essex, the council said.

The fine for illegally driving through a bus gate is £60, which is reduced to £30 if it is paid within 14 days.