It's a familiar sight in Oxford -- motorists using bus lanes to beat the city's traffic jams.

A bus lane in Banbury Road, Oxford

But drivers who take this illegal short cut will have nowhere to hide from this summer if the county council gets approval to install CCTV cameras at key locations as part of a £40m package of transport improvements.

The plan is to install cameras in Magdalen Street, the High Street, George Street and Castle Street, while Botley Road and the Green Road and Cutteslowe roundabouts could also become camera sites to monitor bus lanes where motorists are often seen edging in front of queuing traffic. Drivers caught on film will be fined at least £30.

Private vehicles are banned from using bus lanes and driving through bus gates, such as those in the High Street and Botley Road, but many ignore the restrictions because there is no permanent enforcement.

As the law currently stands, the Traffic Management Act 2004 states the county council cannot use photographic evidence in cases where drivers have ignored regulations.

However, under proposals submitted by a consortium of county councils and currently being considered by the Government, this may change by June.

As soon as it is implemented, county council executive member for transport David Robertson has promised a crackdown on those flouting the law. The cameras will be largely funded by the Government.

Mr Robertson said: "It grieves me that law abiding people are being inconvenienced by irresponsible people who drive through bus gates. It's only right that the authorities should enforce them.

"This can't come soon enough, we have been waiting a long time for this legislation. The police have made a great difference enforcing the use of bus gates but you can't expect their resources to go on permanently. Once cameras are installed there will be fines."

Thames Valley Police conduct random spot-checks in the city centre and drivers caught using the High Street between 7.30am and 6.30pm are issued with £30 fixed penalties.

Oxford Bus Company commercial director Nigel Eggleton said: "This has been long overdue. Our understanding is that this legislation has been stuck in government circles for some time.

"It adds to congestion when motorists drive through bus gates when they are prohibited from doing so. The Green Road and Cutteslowe roundabouts and Botley Road are locations where buses are regularly delayed because private cars use bus lanes -- the sooner enforcement arrives the better."

The total cost of the transport schemes, mostly maintenance work, to be carried out between next month and March next year is £39.6m, the largest amount ever approved by county hall.

It includes:

Completing the design and awarding the contract to the firm responsible for improving the Green Road roundabout, work on which is scheduled to start in April next year

Town centre traffic changes in Abingdon and Henley

Improving road safety, the local environment and bus reliability in Cowley Road

Testing a scheme to relay instant service information to passengers at bus stops on the Kidlington to Oxford route

Upgrading facilities at Thornhill park and ride

Witney's new West End link road to reduce congestion in the town and improve access to the A40.