Harrow Council defended its decision to fine a motorcyclist for driving in a bus lane despite it being overturned at a tribunal.

Omari Anthony was given a penalty charge notice (PCN) for using a bus lane at the junction of Alexandra Avenue and Northolt Road in Harrow.

However, he claimed there was “insufficient signage” and that it was “confusing” for motorists approaching the junction.

He believes several drivers will be caught out by road layout and discovered through a Freedom of Information request that, by April 2019, the council amassed almost £130,000 through 2,500 PCNs given for contraventions at this site.

The adjudicator at his tribunal, Sean Stanton-Dunne, said he would “allow the appeal” since “the signage of the bus lane restrictions is not adequate”.

He added: “The correct bus lane sign showing the vehicles permitted to use the bus lane does not appear until the bus lane has actually started, by which time it is too late for the motorist to take evasive action to avoid the restricted route.”

Despite this ruling, the council said it would continue to issue fines if they believe someone has used the bus lane illegally.

A spokesman for the council said: “The law is clear – you cannot drive in a bus lane at any point where there is a solid white line.

“The consequences of doing so may result in a PCN being issued. We stand by our view that the signage is valid and clear according to the law.”

A similar situation was highlighted by a haulage driver who was caught using the bus lane on two occasions last year.

Michael O’Sullivan criticised the sign at the small strip of bus lane at the junction that does not signal the time it is in operation.

A council spokesman explained that this means the bus lane is only open to authorised vehicles 24 hours a day and there is no legal obligation to state this with timings.

Its officers stood by the enforcement action and said the “onus lies on the motorist to exercise due diligence” where bus lanes are involved.