DRIVERS unwittingly using a controversial bus lane could have paid out as much as £2 million in fines.

Tens of thousands of drivers have been caught driving through the much-maligned bus lane, which leads from High Street into Queen Street, in Colchester.

The restrictions, which were put in place by Essex County Council in 2013, have resulted in a backlash, with some campaigners branding the bus lane “pointless”.

Now a Gazette Freedom of Information request has revealed 60,686 penalty charge notices have been issued since the bus lane was introduced.

With fines starting as low as £30, the council has raked in at least £1.8 million as a result of infringements.

The restriction stop cars from turning right into Queen Street from High Street and has led to drivers undertaking “dangerous” u-turns at Lewis Gardens in a bid to continue into Queen Street.

Colchester Civic Society is campaigning to see the bus lane scrapped.

It has previously reported as many as 40 cars carrying out the manoeuvre in three separate ten-minute periods.

John Salmon, a member of the society’s executive committee, branded claims the bus lane helps relieve congestion “nonsense.”

He said: “These alarming figures just illustrate the problems this bus lane causes.

“It has no impact on traffic, it is pointless.

“Drivers will come down the High Street, as they always have, and turn right into Lewis Gardens to come up Queen Street.

“It is a danger for pedestrians trying to cross Lewis Gardens safely.

“The council has apparently said it will carry out a thorough review of traffic, but this could take years.

“Something needs to be done about it now.

“We think it should be removed entirely.”

Last month Dave Gould, 61, successfully appealed his £30 fine on the grounds of inadequate signage, after Essex County Council decided not to contest it.

He labelled the restrictions a “revenue-raising trap”.

Since 2013, 75 fines have been put before the Traffic Penalty Tribunal and 27 were successfully overturned. An Essex County Council spokesman said: “The High Street bus lane is clearly marked with five-foot letters saying ‘bus lane’, a red surface and several road signs to warn drivers not to enter the area.

“All appeals are decided on their own merit and circumstances.

“We believe the signage is sufficient, but we are always open to improving signage and will keep this under review.

“Bus lanes are vital to help ensure buses run on time.

“Buses offer a reliable option to beat town centre congestion and have the potential to take up to 40 cars off Colchester’s roads.”