A BUS lane camera in Rottingdean has made almost £75,000 from fines in its first nine months.

The camera along the A259 close to the Rottingdean traffic lights was put in operation at the start of the year .

The camera was introduced after bus companies complained that the bus lane was frequently being used by unauthorised vehicles.

They had protested about the number of cars entering the lane too early, before it returns to one for all vehicles.

However, other drivers have complained about its location.

Robert Southgate, 23, a travel photographer from Seaford, said: "I got fined there earlier this year. It's too close to the lane cut off and blind traffic lights".

Brighton and Hove City Council introduced the bus lane scheme in 2003 to help the flow of traffic for public transport. Around 15 PCNs are issued everyday for unauthorised vehicles using the bus lanes throughout the city.

Other vehicles that can use the bus lanes are taxis, bicycles and, in some cases, motorcycles.

The bus lane, which stretches from Telscombe Cliffs to Rottingdean, was enforced in 2008 under the Traffic Regulation Order.

A Brighton and Hove City Council spokesman said: "Some motorists have been in favour of the enforcement as it means drivers do not cross into the two lanes early. Other motorists feel the enforcement is unfair as they are now unable to cross into the two lanes early.

"By unauthorised vehicles ignoring the bus lane as it approaches Rottingdean it makes it difficult for the buses and also makes it difficult for motorists who are obeying the bus lane restrictions to get into lane as the lane is already filled with vehicles who entered early".

Fines are generally £60, but are discounted at 50% if paid within 14 days.