MOTORISTS illegally using a new bus lane as a shortcut will soon be caught on camera.

Digital cameras, to snare cheeky drivers, will officially go live on Monday.

Linking Ghyllgrove and Cranes Farm Road, Basildon, the bus lane is only for use by buses, taxis and private hire vehicles.

It gives the vehicles a shortcut through to Basildon town centre from the town’s retails parks, in Pipps Hill and Cranes Farm Road.

But in recent weeks, several taxi drivers have reported the road was regularly being used by motorists.

Now, anyone caught on camera will face a fine of £60, which will reduce to £30 if it is paid within 14 days.

Norman Hume, Essex County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: “The Ghyllgrove bus link is designed to provide a better bus service for people living, working and visiting the area.

“Therefore, it is important we have additional enforcement in place to ensure the lane is only being used by authorised vehicles, and will continue to function effectively.”

Essex County Council submitted a planning application for the bus link in 2005.

The link, which was opened in November, will provide a regular bus service for the Festival Leisure Park, which in the past, was served by one bus a day taking workers to and from the town centre to the complex.