THE number of motorists illegally driving through a controversial city centre bus gate has fallen by almost 77 per cent since its introduction.

But in the last week of September, more than 1000 people were still fined for flouting the rules.

The bus gate, at Nelson Mandela Place, was introduced by Glasgow City Council on June 30.

In the first full week of operation a total of 4860 penalty notices were issued - a daily average of 694.

New figures show that in the week starting September 27, that number had fallen to 1171 - a daily average of 167.

The bus gate operates from 7am until 7pm seven days a week and, according to roads bosses, has led to a drop in congestion, a fall in harmful traffic emissions and improvements in the environment for pedestrians.

They also say there has been an improvement in bus journey times and reliability through Nelson Mandela Place and George Square.

Alistair Watson, the council's land and environmental services spokesman, said: "It is reassuring to see a massive drop - in the number of offences detected and it is hoped this will continue.

"It is encouraging that drivers are modifying their behaviour."