SIR – It is no surprise that 3,000 motorists have paid £180k to council funds through mistakenly straying into a Shipley bus lane. This is but one of many instances which create antagonism towards the Bradford district for I have senior friends, who remembering how city centre roads were, are fined almost every time they visit the city and have now stopped going there.

If as the council maintain, the fines are to promote road safety and not a source of revenue, then it would be more effective for the first offence to be countered by a warning letter with a fine only imposed should the civil offence be repeated.

Thus the council’s more benevolent attitude would inspire drivers to be more careful and create goodwill.

Bradford’s economic future and confidence is dependant upon a complete change of mind by the majority of its citizens and the council being seen to co-operate rather than punish is a vital stage in bringing this about.

John Pashley, Westcliffe Avenue, Baildon