Oldham's worst bus lanes have been revealed as the council profits more than £280,000 in 12 months.

The data, gathered through a freedom of information request sent to Oldham Council by Personal Injury Claims UK, has uncovered the true extent of bus lane fines in the borough.

Oldham Council has issued 8,018 fines to motorists in the last 12 months across eight bus lanes in the borough.

Figures obtained revealed the number of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued by the authority amounts to at least £280,630 - providing drivers pay the minimum amount of £35. 

The standard bus lane fine in the district is £70, but it is halved if the charge is paid within 21 days. 

The administration has revealed that between April 6, 2023 and April 5, 2024, a total of 3,331 drivers failed to pay within the allotted time - therefore, likely paid the hiked £70 fine.

If this is the case, then the council will have raked in £397,215 for bus lane fines alone in that period.

The biggest earner for the authority is Saint Mary's Way with 2,248 fines being issued as a result of motorists driving in the bus lane.

The busy town centre highway earned at least £78,680 in that time, again providing those fined paid the minimum amount.

In second place was Oldham Road in Failsworth, northbound, which saw 1,379 residents caught in the bus lane, while the same road southbound saw 1,206 fines issued. The stretch of road combined raked in at least £90,475.

Ashton Road, Primrose Bank, recorded 994 fines while Ashton Road in Hathershaw recorded 908 in the same time - meaning those streets earned the council a minimum of £34,790 and £31,780 respectively.

Lees Road made at least £22,260 through 636 fines issued, Ashton Road from King Street roundabout had 364 which meant it earned £12,740, and Oldham Road, Royton, recorded 283 - £9,905. 

An Oldham Council spokesman said: “Income generated through bus lane fines from across the borough goes straight back into maintaining and improving our highways network.

“All our bus lanes are marked by clear signage and drivers should follow the restrictions that are in place.

“We will take enforcement action against those who breach the regulations, but everyone also has the right of appeal if they feel a fine has been given out wrongly.”