COUNCILLORS have debated whether to make changes to a controversial bus lane.

Bromley Council installed a camera to monitor the lane in Cray Avenue, Orpington, in July last year.

A traffic sign directs car drivers to only use the left lane if they are turning left, but motorists say it does not clarify they must do so only once the bold road markings have ended, 25m from the junction.

In the first six months since the installation of the camera, 6,147 motorists were issued a penalty fine of £50 for entering the lane to turn left into Station Approach, which can rise to £100 if not paid immediately.

A spokesman has confirmed the council expects to collect a minimum of £264,000 in fines for this period, factoring in appeals and delayed payments.

Tonight, executive portfolio holder for the environment Councillor George Taylor will consider whether to increase the broken line by a further 5m.

The recommendation comes following an environment policy development and scrutiny committee meeting, held last week.

During the meeting, the committee heard from Gareth Davies, assistant director of transportation planning, who suggested a 5m increase in the broken line before the turn.

Ward councillor Julian Grainger criticised the "rigid approach" to the enforcement and claimed members of the public saw it as merely a way of "catching them out".

He said: "The majority of safe and courteous left turners should not be subjected to a penalty.

"It is one thing to enforce bus lanes but when it is positively disadvantaging motorists it contravenes the Traffic Act of 2004 which requires local authorities to seek the extraditious movement of traffic."

Meeting documents pointed out if the number of fines was reduced, savings would have to be found from elsewhere.

It also claims the loss of income if the number of fines issued dropped by 1,000 would be £46,000.

Motorist Martin Dale, of Penhale Close, Orpington, was fined last September and is taking his appeal to the parking and traffic appeals service, which is London's independent parking penalty tribunal.

He said: "I'm astounded such a blatant admission should be found in council documentation.

"If proof were needed the council has a vested interest in contravention rather than prevention, then this is it.

"It makes a nonsense of all the other arguments which have been made in, for example, how pleased the council is at the supposed improvement in traffic measures as a result of this enforcement."