A NATIONAL motoring organisation has called for civic chiefs to warn drivers rather than to keep making money from those illegally using bus lanes.

The call comes as Southampton City Council puts in a fourth bus lane camera, having made more than £385,000 from the previous three in just 12 months.

Nearly 16,000 drivers were caught in 2017 by the three existing cameras for using bus lanes.

From Monday, on Vincent’s Walk, a fourth will be put up to catch more drivers.

Each fine is a maximum £60 with the charge going straight back to the council.

Head of roads policy for the AA, Jack Cousens, said when the number of drivers being fined goes over ‘a certain threshold’, the council should change its approach instead of introducing even more cameras around the city.

He said: “When you’re talking about almost 16,000 drivers being fined, at some stage surely a letter has to be better than a fine.

"The problem is, when a council finds a good revenue stream, it’s very difficult to cut it off.”

Conservative leader at the city council, Jeremy Moulton, said: “Drivers shouldn’t be in bus lanes first and foremost.

“They shouldn’t be used as a cash-cow, when the money gets excessive, something else has to be done.

"It’s good to see that there’s going to be a grace period, slow integration is needed for those who make an honest mistake.

"I would like the revenue to be used to reduce taxation for residents and other charges.”

Southampton City Council did not respond with a comment before the Daily Echo went to press.