A DRIVER is facing having to pay more than £2,000 in fines after being caught on camera in a temporary bus lane on 35 separate occasions.

The mystery motorist is among many hundreds of motorists given £60 penalty charge notices (PCNs) for using King’s Park as a through route while the Ashley Road bridge is being replaced.

The Gloucester Road entrance has been open for buses and pedal cycles while Ashley Road is closed and a camera is used to enforce the restrictions. The work is due to finish at the end of next week.

This week Bournemouth Council revealed that it had so far issued 3,557 PCNs, potentially netting £213,420, although the penalty is halved for prompt payers.

Unemployed Clive Elliot of Southbourne, received six fixed penalty notices through the post, including three for November 21 and two for the following day.

“When you go through the gate, the sign saying ‘buses and cycles only’ is on the other side and halfway down a post. The first time, I was behind a bus so I didn’t see it, and the camera is not very visible,” he said.

“I think they’re out to trap people and get money out of them. To me it made sense to open the road because it was absolute mayhem.”

Developer Clive Phillips of Queen’s Park said he had received three fixed penalty notices in one day for November 5, 6 and 7. “No doubt I’m going to get a lot more. Obviously I’m not going to drive through a bus lane if it’s clearly marked.”

Mr Phillips is particularly annoyed that the council allows traffic through Gloucester Road to allow the crowds to disperse when AFC Bournemouth is playing at home. “They can’t have two sets of rules. It’s nothing to do with road safety – it’s all to do with money.”

Tony Williams, executive director for environment and economy said: “The route through the park is strictly a bus and cycle route only. It is with regret that motorists are regularly choosing to ignore the clear signage and restrictions at Kings Park and are therefore continuing to receive penalty charge notices.

“In the worst case 35 tickets have been issued for one vehicle, despite every effort in warning and advising the motorist on a number of occasions. We certainly do not wish to issue PCNs to drivers and would much rather they follow the clearly signposted diversionary routes.”

He added: “We have ensured that clear signage has been placed during the diversion, in compliance with the Highway Code. I would strongly urge drivers not to take the risk of driving through the bus and cycle only route through Kings Park.”

Are you the driver who has had 35 fixed penalty notices? Contact the Daily Echo on 01202 411296 or 411293.