DRIVERS who stray into a Shipley bus lane are being caught at a rate of eight a day, new figures reveal.

Teacher Tim Clark moved to the area this summer and soon became one of some 3,000 people a year fined at least £30 for turning onto Market Street.

He believes blue signs which indicate the bus lane's existence are too small and not prominently displayed - but Bradford Council disputes that claim

"Why can't they have big red no entry signs? Yes, we know the Highway Code, but the small blue plates are insufficient and one is not even on straight," said Mr Clark, 54.

"I've never committed a traffic violation in my life and only turned down Market Street because it's a confusing junction where the white road markings don't help you to steer clear of the bus lane."

Mr Clark's neighbour was also caught at the junction and on hearing of other incidents he lodged a Freedom of Information Request with Bradford Council.

The reply said 2,985 tickets had been issued to people using the bus lane on Market Street in the year leading to September 19, 2014.

Mr Clark said he was amazed by the total, given the road was not a busy thoroughfare.

"That's a huge figure - nearly 3,000 drivers on such a small street.

"Nobody deliberately drives down a bus lane as we all know about cameras and fines, so it proves there must be something wrong with the signage.

"My view is it's just a moneymaker for the council at innocent drivers' expense - that's extra annual revenue of £180,000 if people pay £60," he said.

Mr Clark also criticised the layout of the fine letter itself which begins by saying the driver has been fined £60, which if not paid within 28 days will rise to £90.

Only then does the wording say the fine, if paid within 14 days is only £30.

"The wording is very unclear and should simply state the fines incrementally beginning with £30," Mr Clark added.

A spokesman for Bradford Council said the number of Penalty Charge Notices issued for bus lane enforcement in the Shipley Market Square area was no higher than the average for the rest of the district and that those bus lane restrictions had been in force for more than ten years.

“The level of signage telling car drivers that they are not allowed drive on Shipley’s Market Square exceeds both legal requirements and national guidance.

“We would advise all drivers to read all road signs carefully before proceeding,” he said.