Drivers across the North East of England have been slapped with millions of pounds worth of fines after being caught breaking major traffic rules in place this year.
According to a Freedom of Information request, councils collected roughly £2.1million in bus lane fines in a single year, with more than 63,000 penalties issued to motorists.
The biggest share of the money was taken by Newcastle City Council, Gateshead Council, and Sunderland City Council.
Newcastle City Council was found to have raised the most money overall from the bus gate, collecting £760,749 from 26,826 fines.
Gateshead Council followed closely behind with £690,710 generated from 24,363 fines, while Sunderland City Council issued 11,965 penalties, bringing in £382,083.
Newcastle City Council defended its figures, with a council spokesperson stating the income reflects the fact that Newcastle is a “major centre for employment and retail”.
They added that councils are not allowed to profit from enforcement, stating: “Any surplus income generated from its penalty charge notices is used to make further improvements to public transport, highways and the environment.”
They also said drivers have options if they feel unfairly treated for driving in a bus lane, then “they do have the right to appeal”.
Drivers can be fined for travelling through bus gates in place across the UK
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GETTYDespite these assurances, many motorists warned that they are being caught out by confusing signage and changing road layouts.
Critics argued that enforcement cameras are often placed in areas where drivers can easily make a genuine mistake, particularly during busy periods or road closures.
Meanwhile, figures from other councils showed how widespread the issue has become. Durham County Council collected £160,562 from 4,124 fines, while South Tyneside Council raised £103,440 through 6,040 penalties.
Northumberland County Council generated £55,255 from 2,926 fines, while North Tyneside Council confirmed it issued 3,102 fines.
Newcastle City Council collected £760,749 from bus gate fines
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Cambridgeshire County CouncilGateshead Council said its bus lane enforcement forms part of a wider transport policy. A spokesperson said: “Bus lanes form one part of a wider strategy to create an improved transport network.”
The council also defended enforcement on fairness grounds, adding that over 30 per cent of people in Newcastle and Gateshead “do not have access to a car or van, and we have to be fair to everybody”.
Bus lane fines can typically be around £160 in London and other UK areas with civil enforcement, but can be reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days.
Drivers can be fined at least £70 for driving in a bus lane | PA
However, enforcement figures showed a sharp rise in penalties following major road changes. On High West Street in Gateshead, 10,241 bus lane fines were issued between April 2024 and March 2025, compared with 6,708 the previous year.
The closure of the A167 Gateshead flyover in December 2024 is believed to have pushed more traffic into areas monitored by cameras.
Sunderland City Council also defended its approach. Cabinet member for environment, transport and net zero, Councillor Lindsey Leonard, said: “Any income from traffic enforcement can only be used to support further investment in highways, public transport and environmental improvements, in line with national regulations.”
She added that an appeals system is in place for motorists who believe a fine has been wrongly issued.