Lancashire County Council is warning drivers against illegally using an Accrington bus lane with the authority "disappointed" at people breaking the law.

The bus lane in Whalley Road, at the roundabout with Burnley Road in Accrington town centre, is not currently enforced by camera systems, although it could be if drivers continue to use the route unlawfully.

A spokesperson for Lancashire County Council said: "This bus lane is not currently enforced by camera, pending discussions with Hyndburn Borough Council.

"However, it remains an offence to disobey the traffic signs in place and it is disappointing to see drivers choosing to break the law.

"There are no immediate plans for camera enforcement to go live at this location, but we will keep this under review if the level of abuse causes problems with traffic flow for drivers and buses on Whalley Road.”

Driving in a bus lane without lawful permission carries a standard penalty charge notice (PCN) of £70.

If payment is made within 21 days of the fine being served, the charge is reduced by 50 per cent to £35.

If payment is made after a service of charge certificate is issued, the charge increases by 50 per cent to £105.

The bus lane in the town aims to reduce journey times for passengers on services from Accrington, with it allowing for buses to skip the numerous traffic lights heading south on Eastgate.

Figures earlier in the year revealed the number of penalty charge notices (PCNs) issued by Lancashire County Council for flouting bus-only rules fell from 41,501 in 2021/22, to 36,324 in 2023/24.

But two in Accrington saw more motorists penalised.

There was a general slump in fines between 2022 and 2023 at 11 out of 14 sites watched over by Lancashire County Council cameras to ensure stretches of road reserved for buses and other authorised vehicles are not strayed into by other drivers.