Norfolk County Council had initially said that there would be a six month grace period for drivers caught in the Dereham Road bus lane by a camera which went live in February.

However, more than 3,300 motorists have already been issued with £70 penalty notices, which are halved if paid within 14 days.

Officials are issuing the fines despite their earlier pledge because they switched the legislation they are using to enforce the camera.

However, the change has enraged motorists who have called on County Hall to waive fines which have been issued so far.

One said: "People have been misled. The council said this was one piece of legislation and now they are saying it is under another.

"That has created confusion and I think they should waive the fines." The new camera enforcing the Dereham Road bus lane, near Marl Pit Lane (Image: Denise Bradley)

WHY HAS THE COUNCIL U-TURNED ON FINES?

When the county council carried out a consultation about the potential installation of the Dereham Road camera - and six others - in 2022, it said enforcement would be through new powers connected to what are known as moving traffic offences.

Under legislation governing these powers, for the initial six months, people are meant to get a........

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