Rogue drivers dodging through Leeds bus lanes are finding dummy fines landing on their doormats- but ignoring them could be a costly mistake, for if they do it again they could be fined for real.

From Monday 8 August new bus lane cameras, which have been taking a trial run and issuing warnings to make their presence known, go live by sending out enforcement notices leading to real penalty charges of £60 (reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days).

The cameras, operated by Leeds City Council, have been filming motorists' abuse of bus lanes in the fortnight leading up to the new fines and issuing warning notices.

The idea is to make sure that the cameras act as a deterrent to drivers considering ducking into the lanes. This is aimed at keeping them clear for the real users- buses- to help the flow of traffic, particularly in the city centre.

Metro, which co-ordinates the transport for West Yorkshire, is supporting the scheme.

"Bus lanes are designed to enable buses, which can be carrying the same number of people as 30 or more cars, to skip congested stretches of the road and deliver passengers to their destinations quickly and efficiently," said Metro Chairman, Cllr James Lewis.

"By ignoring the restrictions on bus lanes, which usually only apply at peak times, and using them illegally, inconsiderate motorists are cancelling out the advantages they provide and shouldn't therefore be surprised to face a fine for this selfish behaviour."

A survey by Leeds City Council In late January found nearly 2,000 drivers- 1,941 in total- illegally cutting into city centre bus lanes over three days in the same week. The vast majority of these offences took place during the morning rush from 7.30-9am, holding up buses full of commuters and other passengers.

In one case- along the Wellington Road lane adjacent to Clyde Approach- 572 drivers were seen to break the law on the same day by using the bus lane.

The council has recently acquired the responsibility from the police for enforcing rules on keeping bus lanes clear. Certain vehicles other than buses, such as emergency vehicles and registered taxis (but not private hire vehicles) are allowed to use the lanes. The majority of vehicles, however, cannot and road signs make it clear what restrictions apply. Cameras are also clearly marked. If the cameras are successful at improving traffic flows, the council also intends at a later stage to introduce a mobile camera to tackle the same issue elsewhere.