Drivers to avoid fines for bus lanes, box junctions and other offences

Driving in a cycle lane and making an illegal turn could also result in just a warning

Drivers could be excused fines for a number of offences such as entering a bus lane and stopping in a box junction under proposed changes to the law.

According to the Daily Mail, the Government is considering waiving fines for first-time offenders guilty of a number of 'minor' motoring transgressions.

Boris Johnson has proposed new plans for the roads which are, in part, designed to encourage cycling and walking.

The Gear Change plans state: "We propose that motorists be issued with a warning for a first offence, and fines for subsequent offences."

The rules that would result in a warning could include making illegal turns driving in a cycle lane, crossing into a bus lane and stopping in a yellow box junction.

Car Insurance Expert at Confused.com Alex Kindred said: "In one year, councils issued more than nine million PCNs, equating to a whopping £326 million in fines.

"A huge 21% of these fines were handed out to people driving through bus lanes, so clearly there’s some confusion. Our research then found that nearly a third (29%) of drivers who have received a fine blamed unclear information for their mistake.

“Being let off for first-time offences will help alleviate the stress of driving through a bus lane that isn’t clear, especially if it was a genuine mistake. But this isn’t a signal to take advantage of them.

“More than a third (36%) of drivers told us councils need to spend more money on making road signs clearer, so that we don’t have to fork out for unfair fines in the first place. Our challenge checklist will help drivers decide whether they should appeal a fine and guide them through the process.”

A Department for Transport spokesman told MailOnline: ‘We’re determined to ensure these powers are used proportionately, which is why our plans include proposals for drivers to be given a warning notice in the first instance.’