MORE than a quarter of motorists caught driving in Glasgow bus lanes were successful in appealing their fines.

A total of 6271 drivers who were given a fine between January 1 and September 30 this year had their charge wiped.

New figures obtained by the Evening Times shows Glasgow City Council handed out 95,250 charge notices during this nine-month period.

Of that total the number of disgruntled drivers to challenge the council was 22,320.

A total of 28% of claimants were successful, while around 16,000 drivers had to stump up the cash.

Motorists caught in a bus lane are issued with a £60 fine which is reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days.

The figures show the bus lane locations which generate most fines are those in the city centre.

The highest number of appeals came from motorists caught in the controversial Nelson Mandela Place bus lane, which was introduced on June 30.

More than 36,470 fines were issued to drivers who were snared there - and more than 7000 people challenged it.

Elsewhere in the city centre, 2619 appeals were received after 7295 notices were issued at the Argyle Street and Jamaica Street bus lane.

Of 10,273 fines given out at Glassford Street, 2465 drivers appealed.

Meanwhile, 127 appeals came back to the city council from 568 notices given to drivers caught in Maryhill Road and Dalsholm Road.

And of 642 notices issued at Duke Street and Glendale Street, 63 people challenged the fine.

City council bosses say that most cancellations are for authorised vehicles, such as taxis or unmarked police cars which are not immediately identifiable.

A Glasgow City Council spokesman said all drivers issued with fines had the option to appeal if they believe the council is in the wrong.

He said: "In instances where drivers feel they have wrongly received a penalty notice they have the option to appeal.

"In cases where a ticket is wrongly issued, such as taxis which aren't listed as being exempt, the ticket is cancelled."

It came after the number of motorists illegally driving through the bus gate at Nelson Mandela Place fell by almost 77%.

As we reported on October 14, in the first full week of its operation a total of 4860 penalty notices were issued - a daily average of 694.

But in the week beginning September 27, that number had fallen to 1171 - a daily average of 167.

The bus gate operates from 7am until 7pm seven days a week and, according to roads bosses, has led to major improvements in the environment for pedestrians.

A city council spokesman added: "Over the last two years we have seen civil enforcement help lower the number of offences in Glasgow, improve the flow of traffic on a number of congested stretches and improve the reliability of bus journeys on some key routes."

rachel.loxton@eveningtimes.co.uk