FIRST it was number plate recognition, then it was average speed checkers, now the latest camera to crackdown on drivers has been revealed.

Southampton City Council have unveiled plans to monitor bus lanes with cameras and fine motorists caught illegally using them.

Three cameras will be installed later this month across the city which will operate round the clock and anyone caught could be fined up to £60, or reduce to £30 if they pay in 14 days.

But last night one campaign group urged the local authority not to see drivers as "cash cow" to boost their finances.

Jonathan Isaby, chief executive at the TaxPayers' Alliance said: "People would expect any fines issued for driving in bus lanes to be proportionate, and no-one could be blamed for wondering whether local authorities are using the cameras as way of extracting extra revenue from motorists. 

"Councils must avoid becoming over-reliant on fine revenue otherwise they'll spend more time and energy simply trying to catch people out rather than seeking to encourage good behaviour on the roads.

"Motorists in particular must not be seen as 'cash cows' who can be used to fill black holes in local authority budgets."

Only buses, taxis, private licensed hire vehicles, bicycles and emergency services are allowed to use bus lanes.

Police can already prosecute drivers who use bus lanes but are not able to monitor them all the time.

The council has confirmed they will be allowing motorists a grace period and anyone caught during this time will receive a warning letter instead of a charge.

But repeat offenders will be fined.

Councillor Jacqui Rayment, cabinet member for Environment and Transport, defended the cameras.

She said: "We hope that by using cameras we will quickly change driver’s behaviour and improve the safety and flow of bus lanes. 

"It has to be someone who is deliberately using the bus lane - if you overtake a car that is turning and that means you go into the bus lane that would be a mitigating factor.

"This is not a profit making exercise but a way of improving sustainable travel around the city. 

"Any income will be reinvested to make improvements to roads and transport in the city."

She added that three cameras will be installed, one in Foyes Corner in Shirley and one in Northam Road, but the council were unable to reveal the third location, or how much installing them will cost.

Ian Hall, the chairman on the Southampton Hackney Association, said: "I think it is a brilliant idea, we are allowed to use bus lanes and I think it is a good idea to fine motorists who are using the bus lanes and shouldn't be."