MOTORISTS caught driving or parking illegally in Newport bus lanes will be given £30 fixed penalty notices, police warn.

Recently, Newport Central officers say drivers are using bus lanes in the city centre as shortcuts during rush hour congestion, particularly in Emlyn Street.

In a bid to clamp down on the problem they warn they will punish impatient drivers who break the bus lane rules.

Sergeant Colin Thomas said: "Some people are trying to escape heavy traffic in the city centre by breaking the law.

"This has been causing problems and is proving a hindrance to buses, therefore we will issue fixed penalty tickets to anyone caught using bus lanes.

"We will actively put officers in problem areas to catch the offenders."