A shocking 8,527 vehicles were penalised for going through the enforcement in Thorpe Road between June 1, 2025, and June 1 this year, a Freedom of Information request from this newspaper revealed.

The bus gate in Thorpe Road (Image: Newsquest)

Angry city folk called the bus gate "a money-making game" and questioned what the fines collected from the penalties is spent on.

Gary Blundell, Independent councillor for South Norfolk, has raised concerns about the way bus lanes are implemented and is calling for an end to those operated 24-hours a day.

'Where is the money going?'

Charges for driving through an enforcement location start at £70 but are halved if they are paid within the first two weeks and increased to £105 if they are unpaid within 28 days.

It means Norfolk County Council could have made at least £298,445 on just Thorpe Road alone if everyone charged paid their fines within two weeks.

Andy Gibson, who lives near Stalham, regularly travels into the city to visit family with his wife, Linda, is one driver who avoided the tariff.

Andy Gibson, pictured here (Image: Newsquest)

He said: "We did not realise Thorpe Road had a bus gate so I drove down the other side to avoid it. It's not clear and if you get people who aren't from around here, how are they meant to know? It's very confusing.

"It's just a money-making game."

Mr Gibson suggested the........

© Norwich Evening News