CCTV cameras mounted on buses could be used to snare drivers caught using bus lanes under plans being devised by council chiefs.

Blackburn with Darwen Council and Lancashire County Council are in talks with the police about taking over enforcement of a range of traffic offences, from blocking yellow hatched boxes at junctions to driving up bus lanes.

In September 2004, both councils took over the enforcement of parking from the police -- leading to a massive increase in parking fines being issued across East Lancashire.

The Department of Transport has also given councils the power to use CCTV footage from buses to prosecute people, along with fixed-point speed camera-style cameras.

Now the authorities are looking to bring their powers into use.

The offences have to be recorded by camera, and in cities such as Newcastle, police already monitor junctions with CCTV.

But in Lancashire, unless police are present at the scene or spot an offence being committed, drivers normally escape prosecution.

However, bus companies including Blazefield Holdings and Blackburn Transport already have cameras which point out on to the road so they can record any vandalism or incidents their vehicles are involved in.

Michael Morton, managing director of Blackburn Transport, said: "All our buses have CCTV which point out on to the road.

"We would be delighted to assist the councils. Car drivers nipping up bus lanes is a real problem for us and something which needs addressing."

Coun Andy Kay, executive member for regeneration at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "Enforcement of bus lanes remains the responsibility of the police but we may receive these powers in due course.

"People queue jumping by using bus lanes is an irritation to law abiding motorists and there are a number of ways in which the law can be enforced.

"Cameras on buses is one solution which may be looked at but it is too early to say at this stage which schemes will be adopted."

The plan comes as the council is drawing up plans for more bus lanes to help traffic flow on roads like the A666.

A county council spokesman said: "These extra powers are something we are looking at. The aim of using them would be to reduce congestion and keep traffic moving."