Drivers using bus lanes in Slough are set to be hit by fines of £60 in a bid to speed up bus journeys across the town.

Slough Borough Council (SBC) says the growing problem of private vehicles using bus lanes, especially at peak times, has delayed buses getting around town.

The bus lanes on both sides of London Road and Bath Road, as well as the lane on one side of Farnham Road, will be exclusively for buses during peak times.

New cameras have been installed to deter drivers from using the lanes.

Sanjay Dhuna, SBC’s service lead planning and transport, said the aim was to keep the lanes free to allow commuters who choose public transport to have a reliable journey.

Reliable journeys could also have the added benefit of encouraging more people to use public transport, he added.

Mr Dhuna said: “The introduction of bus lane enforcement will see an improvement in bus journey times and provide a better customer experience for those using this mode of transport.

“We will be using enforcement on those driving or parking in a bus lane, which in turn will reduce delays to buses enabling services to run more smoothly and punctually.

“Whilst bus lanes will enable cyclists, taxis and motorcycles to use these lanes, it will also assist in changing behaviours and reduce cars on the network as we are promoting alternative sustainable modes of transport.”

The programme to keep public transport lanes free at peak times was prompted by the introduction of the Mass Rapid Transport scheme and aimed at giving those who are using public transport a more reliable journey.

The registered car owner of vehicles seen using the lanes during the enforcement hours will receive a Penalty Charge Notice through the post featuring an image of the car in the bus lane.

Motorists will be fined £60 with the chance to reduce it to £30 if it is paid within 14 days.

Those found in the bus lanes during prohibited hours within the first two weeks of the new cameras becoming operational will receive a warning letter informing them of the changes, and will not receive a fine.

Any contested actions will go through the same procedure as contested parking tickets.