MORE than £14million was spent handing out 320,000 tickets to motorists who strayed into bus lanes in London last year.

However, a report to the Greater London Authority's budget committee shows that once costs were deducted the city only made a profit of £940,000.

Barrie Segal, a road campaigner who runs appealnow.com, a website for disgruntled motorists, said: "The fact that Transport for London has spent more than £14million raising £15million is mind blowing but not surprising when you consider the way they budgeted the income from the congestion charge."

The massive outlay was questioned by members of the committee who met this week.

Transport for London representatives were called to City Hall to explain how and why the money was spent.

Sally Hamwee, a member of the GLA budget committee, said: "Over £14million was spent to achieve £15million net income.

"A £940,000 surplus seems a bit precarious."

Ms Hamwee wanted to know if the profit was in danger of becoming a loss.

London bus strategy director Dick Halle said a large proportion of the £14million was spent on installing new cameras to catch and record vehicles straying into bus lanes.

Transport for London said it was committed to bus lane enforcement.

Hr Halle said: "The capital cost of installing new cameras was a one off cost for that year. It is actually worth spending money to effectively ensure that the bus lanes are kept clear."

The meeting was also told money raised from bus lane enforcement was directed back to transport initiatives.