Nineteen drivers could soon be out of pocket and have three points slapped on their licence after using a bus lane as a rat run.

Patrols from the Swale Local Policing Team went this morning to Great Easthall Way in Sittingbourne, a bus route between Freeman Drive and Oak Road, following concerns drivers were ignoring no entry signs.

The 19 drivers, who are alleged to have breached the restriction, were issued with a traffic offence report.

Enforcement action can include a £100 fine and three points on a driving licence.

Inspector Vanessa Foster, from the Swale Local Policing Team, said: "Our officers attended this section of road after we received concerns for the safety of bus passengers and motorists.

"Ignoring traffic restrictions is illegal and places all road users at unnecessary risk of a collision.

"Anyone caught ignoring the restrictions will be dealt with in a proportionate manner."

The action comes after Arriva announced last Wednesday it had cut its service to the Great Easthall estate in Murston because of the dangers posed by cars illegally using the bus-only route – that links the estate to Oak Road – as a rat-run.

Oliver Monahan, area managing director for Arriva Kent and Surrey, said: "Unfortunately, with immediate effect, we have had to temporarily stop serving the stops on Great Easthall Way and Mulberry Way on the 349 service in Sittingbourne.

"This is because of the significant dangers posed by cars illegally using the bus-only lane at Great Easthall, running the risk of a head-on collision between a car and a bus on the single lane bus lane."

He added: “We’re currently working with the relevant authorities to resolve the issue and are keen to start serving the stops again once it is safe to do so.”