A DRIVER caught using one of Colchester’s bus lanes has been told she has to pay twice.

Joyce O’Brien’s Toyota Verso was picked up by cameras turning from Colchester High Street – a manoeuvre banned by Essex County Council after it was turned into a bus lane 12 months ago.

But Mrs O’Brien, 73, has been sent two fixed penalty notices for the same motoring offence, committed by her daughter after she borrowed the car.

She called to arrange to pay one fine, which she concedes was correctly given, and cancel the duplicate. However, Mrs O’Brien, of Walton Road, Kirby, was told she would have to appeal.

She tried to explain she wanted to pay – just not twice.

She said: “Both show 15.56pm on October 3. I think what has happened is the car in front was obscured by a bike in the picture, but my number plate could be seen so they sent me the ticket.

“They then sent another one at the same time and the same place. I want to pay the ticket, but I can’t understand why I have to write to appeal the other one. I have tried to get it sorted out, but they say they can’t help.

“In this day and age, why can’t they just look and see it was two given at once? Nobody was able to help. I am sending a letter and a cheque for one penalty, along with both slips.”

An Essex County Council spokesman said: “We were unaware of this issue, but will now look into it. If duplicate penalty charge notices are generated, the appeals procedure should be used, which is a simple process. An appeal can be lodged online or in writing.”

Last December, an amnesty on £1million of fines issued to motorists driving up North Hill and turning from High Street to Queen Street was issued after hundreds complained they did not know restrictions were in place.