Over 450 drivers have been handed warning notices after new CCTV cameras that are designed to catch people in the bus lanes have been set up.

The cameras are at the bus-only sections of Dene Street, Silksworth, and Brancepeth Road, Washington.

They went 'live' at on Monday, July 24 and have already clocked over 450 drivers using the bus lane.

Footage from the cameras is reviewed by Sunderland City Council and contraventions of the traffic restrictions can lead to a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £70.

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There has been a 'grace period' since they were switched-on and vehicle owners observed contravening the regulations have been receiving a warning notice.

The Silksworth camera has generated 317 warning notices issued to vehicle owners in the first ten days of operation.

The Washington camera has generated 137 warning notices issued to vehicle owners in the first ten days of operation.

Enforcement at both bus gates is now scheduled to begin from midnight on Sunday, August 13.

The cameras are the first 'buses only' enforcement cameras to be used by Sunderland City Council under national legislation.

Speaking on the new cameras, Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council and Cabinet Member for Clean Green City, Councillor Claire Rowntree, said: "These are already established bus only restrictions in Silksworth and Washington, local drivers and others will be aware of these restrictions and the vast majority of drivers are already following them.

"The cameras are about helping and improving road safety, promoting public transport and helping to ensure that more highways users follow and obey the rules and regulations that are necessary when out on our roads and highways.

"Bus journeys are a more sustainable form of transport and by helping to improve punctuality and journey times, we help make buses a more attractive choice for residents and visitors, and we contribute to lowering carbon emissions."

Councils across the country have been adopting enforcement powers to issue fines (Penalty Charge Notices) to vehicles that break traffic restrictions, such as driving in bus lanes and through bus gate restrictions.

The £70 PCN can be discounted to £35 if paid within 21 days or alternatively the driver may appeal against the proposed PCN.

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A third camera is due to be installed in Holmeside in Sunderland city centre later this year. This camera will only go live when a wider regeneration scheme is complete.

Both locations have had restrictions for several years - the Traffic Regulation order (TRO) for Silksworth was introduced by the City Council in 2018 and the Washington restriction dates back to 2012.

Income generated by traffic enforcement PCNs from cameras can only be used for further works on highways, public transport and environmental projects.

As with parking restrictions, if a driver disagrees with the notice an appeals process is in place. Full details are included on notices issued to vehicle owners.

The new enforcement does not cover speeding offences monitored by cameras which remain with Northumbria Police and the Northumbria Safer Roads Initiative (NSRI).