Reading has more bus lanes per resident than any other UK city

The system, similar to that used for London's congestion charging, recognises the number plates of cars illegally using the town's bus lanes as short cuts.

But footage from the cameras cannot be used in court because legislation has not been passed to make it acceptable as evidence.

Reading's bus managers say it can take four times as long as it should to travel some routes due to people abusing the bus lanes.

The difference between London and the rest of the country is a bit of a mystery to me John Howarth, transport spokesman

Reading boasts more miles of the restricted road-ways per resident than anywhere else in the UK.

"The time it takes from the railway station to the police station, which is run by many services, is scheduled for four minutes but at busy times can take 10 or 12, and most of that is down to abuse of bus priorities by unthinking motorists," said Colin Thompson, the manager of Reading Bus Company.

London used to have major problems with cars using bus lanes, but now relies on cameras to bring motorists to book.

The law covering their use, however, does not extend beyond the M25.

The council's transport spokesman, John Howarth, said: "The difference between London and the rest of the country is a bit of a mystery to me.

"We do want to see the legislation in place in Reading so we can have effective enforcement to improve the quality of public transport."