A lucrative bus lane camera in Basildon has snapped an average of 13 motorists a day since going live a year ago.

Figures obtained by the Echo show that the enforcement camera on Ghyllgrove South in Basildon has clocked 4,745 motorists since July 2016 and accumulated a huge £86,575.

The bus lane camera, which is located Ghyllgrove South facing motorists who join onto the slip road from Cranes Farm Road.

The slip road has been designated for buses only and the camera was set up to capture car drivers using the lane illegally.

However, the enforcement does not seem to be deterring motorists from using this lane, as the figures show that the camera has earnt an average of more than £230 a day.

Labour councillor for the St Martin’s Ward, where the camera is situated, David Burton-Sampson said: “It’s there for a reason, it’s to protect the residents of Ghyllgrove and to make sure there is not a significant amount of traffic coming in from Cranes Farm Road.”

“I think that this demonstrates that you can’t take a chance with this lane and if you choose to go down there, you will be caught.”

“However, if it’s not clear to motorists, then we should take that up with Essex County Council.”

Fellow Labour councillor in the St Martin’s Ward, Andrew Buxton, echoed his colleagues view on the use of the bus lane, but added that the money earnt from the camera should be put back into Basildon.

He said: “That is massive. £86,000 is quite a lot of money and I would like to see it going back into Basildon.

“It’s being generated in Basildon so it should be go back into improving the roads here.”

There is a sign informing drivers that the slip road is for buses, bicycles and “authorised vehicles only” with markings on the road also relaying the same message.

However, the sign is next to a bush which can become overgrown at times.

A spokesperson for Essex Highways said: “Enforcement of bus lanes is done where we have good evidence that many drivers are using the bus lane illegally.

“Cameras become an effective deterrent as word spreads that if you break the law, you will be fined.

“The bus lane is clearly marked to warn motorists not to use it.”