A bus company says drivers flouting the restrictions and using a High Wycombe bus lane is “unhelpful” - and responded to calls from some residents to axe the controversial priority route.

The managing director of Carousel Buses, Phil Southall, said bus lanes are important - as some residents got in touch with the Bucks Free Press to say it should be scrapped.

Following an investigation by the paper, it was revealed last week that no fines have been issued to drivers using the bus lane during restricted hours in the morning and evening since 2012.

It means drivers who clog up the bus lane are breaking the law and getting away with it scot-free.

Reader, Bernard Oring, from Flackwell Heath, said the bus lane should remain but added that cameras need to be installed to catch drivers flouting the rules.

He said: “The police currently are not responding to a traffic crime. There are no police or traffic wardens ever patrolling our thoroughfares, so no prosecutions or fines.

“When I was in the RAF, I was told there are two parts to an order - giving the order and ensuring it is carried out.

“If you don’t do the latter, it is a waste of time issuing the former.

“People then realise there is no check so flout the order as is the case of the bus lane.”

John Collins, from Bourne End, said the lane should be scrapped.

He said: “Provide bus stop lay-bys with priority given to buses signalling to re-enter traffic, allowing the free flow of other vehicles at all times.”

Another added: "Yes - scrap the bus lane. People seem unable to know when they can use it. The two lanes mean there is space for buses and cars. We don't need it.

"What I'd like to see is a speed camera there, and police catching the people who speed down the right hand lane, and then cut you up to pull back in. I hate driving that stretch."

Ken and Angela Rose, who live in Wycombe Marsh, said: "I don't know if the bus lane should be axed, it needs a camera along the A40 to catch speeding cars and car drivers that abuse the lane.

"Many a time I've sat in the bus lane between the times that cars can use them and drivers come speeding up the central lane some at 50 - 70 miles speed, to be honest it was the worst thing that could have happened along the London Road.

"We have been residents in the Wycombe Marsh area for 43 years - never seen anything like it."

Mr Southall said: "“The A40 is a vital road and is due to undergo improvements to further help traffic flow and provide additional bus priority thanks to the National Productivity Investment Fund.

"Buckinghamshire County Council are currently working on the scheme with input from key stakeholders and while this piece of work is on-going we would not want to see any loss of bus priority.

"Public transport is a key component in helping improve sustainable and environmentally friendly travel and reducing congestion.

"We all need to work together to make public transport a better choice. Bus lanes are an important part of the required infrastructure and other vehicles using bus lanes is unhelpful.”