Bus lane fines bring in £2.1m

THE North East's seven local authorities have generated at least £2.1m this year through bus lane penalties.

- AUSTEN SHAKESPEARE

Bus lane warning signs on John Dobson Street in Newcastle city centre

Through Freedom of Information Requests, it has been revealed that millions have been raised through issuing bus lane fines from January to November/December this year.

The three largest benefactors according to the figures obtained are Newcastle, Gateshead and Sunderland councils.

The breakdown in money collected in fines and number of penalty charges is:

■Newcastle: £760,749 via 26,826 fines

■Gateshead: £690,710 via 24,363 fines

■Sunderland: £382,083 via 11,965 fines

■Durham: £160,562 via 4,124 fines

■South Tyneside: £103,044 via 6,040 fines

■Northumberland: £55,255 via 2,926 fines

■North Tyneside: 3,102 fines