A controversial new bus lane which will open three months ahead of schedule is to become legally enforceable from Monday.

As part of a £6.5 million scheme to boost sustainable transport use, contractors from Brighton and Hove City Council began work on Lewes Road in December.

Despite the marking being in place for months, cars have so far been free to use both lanes on the dual carriageway.

But, from Monday, the local authority warned cameras will monitor the bus-only area with straying vehicles hit with a fine of up to £60.

Deputy council leader Ian Davey said: “Our approach is to try to make it easier for everyone to get about.

“So this route will be better and quicker for buses and taxis and more pleasant and safer for pedes- trians and cyclists.

“If you have to drive, there will be fewer cars on the route than there would otherwise be, so your journey might be better too.”

The new £1 million wide bus and cycle lanes run from the Vogue Gyratory to the American Express Community Stadium.

The layout means buses no longer have to cross cycle lanes to pick up passengers.

Officials predict the changes will see bus journey times improved by up to 30 per cent and passenger numbers rise by 25 per cent. 

In addition, the number of car trips is expected to drop by ten per cent.

It was funded after the govern- ment awarded the council a grant of £4.2 million.

A further £2.25 million has been given by partners including Brighton and Hove Bus Company, Brighton and Hove Albion, the universities of Sussex and Brighton, and Southern Rail.

The rest of the money in the project will go on other measures such as new benches, education programmes, new bus stops and road signs.

A council-run consultation on the idea which received more than 4,000 responses on the scheme showed that about 60% supported the new lanes.

But Don Brownjohn, who lives in the area, emailed The Argus and said: “Most of the people I have spoken to think it is an absolute disaster waiting to happen.”

Construction work was sup- posed to be finished in December.

An official opening ceremony will take place on October 5 in Wild Park, Brighton from 1pm to 4pm.