A PETITION has been launched calling for fines given to motorists caught driving in a controversial bus lane to be refunded.

It comes after a set of controversial traffic enforcement cameras in Valley Gardens in Brighton captured 9,618 motorists in the last month alone.

There are claims that signs for the cameras, which caught 310 people every day in October, are "misleading" and that motorists are being unfairly fined.

Disgruntled resident Damien Williamson has launched a petition calling for all motorists who have been fined for driving in the bus lane in Marlborough Place, St George’s Place, St Peter’s Place and York Place to have them refunded.

“As a driver who has followed the road signs that have directed me into the bus lanes and then received a fine, I have personally been affected by this issue,” he said.

“These fines are damaging to the reputation of Brighton and Hove City Council in terms of the opinion of local residents.

“They also impact on the reputation the city has with tourist to the area.”

The cameras were introduced following the experimental traffic order in June last year, limiting the roads to buses, taxis and bicycles only.

Mr Williamson is also calling for road signage to be made clearer and for the fining system to be paused.

While the number of fines averages one every two minutes at times in the last month, the numbers are down on the figures for August.

The petition currently has 96 signatures.

The Argus: Councillor Robert Nemeth in Valley Gardens, Brighton Councillor Robert Nemeth in Valley Gardens, Brighton

The shocking figures were revealed by Conservative councillor Robert Nemeth at Wednesday’s Brighton and Hove City Council environment transport and sustainability committee.

Councillors on the committee agreed to make the project permanent when they meet on Tuesday, 16 November.

Cllr Nemeth said: "My jaw dropped when I heard the figures. The fact that one person is being fined every two minutes at these bus gates is extraordinary.

“It is clearly being used as a revenue-raising measure by stealth, which sees the council cashing in on confusion and hurting the city’s economy."