EDINBURGH'S controversial bus lane camera system will be expanded next week as figures reveal nearly 28,000 fines have been issued since it launched last April.

Two additional automated cameras will go live from Monday, at Prestonfield and the Jewel bus gates, in addition to the three already in operation.

The scheme, which can see motorists fined up to £60 for driving in a bus lane, was launched alongside a similar initiative in Glasgow after councils gained enforcement powers previously reserved to police.

Aberdeen has installed a network of cameras which will be turned on this year.

More than 600 motorists have been issued with warning notices at the two sites since December 3, though officials expect the number of people fined will drop from next week as more drivers obey the rules.

The fines provoked an outcry from Edinburgh motorists who complained they were unfairly penalised for turning onto residential streets by cameras that were badly situated.

A subsequent review led to 5836 fines being cancelled and one camera, at Willowbrae Road, being removed.

Lesley Hinds, the council's transport convener, said the scheme showed "strong enforcement" was needed to keep lanes free of unauthorised traffic.