Eighteen local councils have streets that rake in more than £1million a year in motoring fines, it is revealed today.

Town halls in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Brighton and Bristol are earning thousands of pounds a day from drivers who often unwittingly move into bus lanes or take a wrong turn.

In south-east London 43,108 penalty notices were issued for breaching the traffic restrictions in Dulwich Village, amounting to £2.9million in fines.

And the Moor Street scheme in Birmingham's Bull Ring issued 65,755 fines to motorists driving in a bus lane, adding up to almost £10,000 a day.

A bus lane in Oxford Street, Manchester, amassed about £1.7million in charges.

Traffic restrictions in Dulwich Village led to 43,108 penalty notices worth £2.9million in fines

Eighteen local councils have streets that generate more than £1million a year in motoring fines

But camera-trap roads in Salford, Gateshead and Walsall are also accused of helping councils behave like 'highwaymen'.

Typical fines for traffic offences are around £130 in London and £80 outside the capital, although they are generally reduced by half if paid within 14 days.

The figures were released in response to Freedom of Information requests to councils asking which street in their area has produced the highest income from traffic or parking violations in the 2021/2022 financial year.

Ian Taylor, director of the Alliance of British Drivers, said cash-strapped councils are looking for 'an excuse to milk the motorist'.

He said: 'It's the modern equivalent of the highwaymen, but because councils are doing it it's legal.'

The Moor Street scheme in Birmingham's Bull Ring les to 65,755 fines being issued worth almost £10,000 a day

Another of the busiest roads for tickets last year was the 'No Through Route' Dermody Road in the London borough of Lewisham, which saw the council demand £2.7million.

One driver received seven notices in a fortnight after using the road on the school-run. Karan Singh faced having to pay £910 if he contested the fines and lost the appeals.

Councils typically say that the overwhelming majority of road users comply with the restrictions without any issues.

But a Department for Transport source said local authorities should review streets where a 'disproportionate number' of Penalty Charge Notices are issued.