MOTORISTS fined for using Colchester’s town centre bus lanes will begin to be repaid this week.

Last month, Essex County Council rescinded more than 30,000 tickets given to drivers caught using new bus lanes in Colchester town centre.

The decision followed an online uproar from motorists who did not realise the lanes, part of a wider town centre trial which was scrapped in April, had been reinstated six months later.

Last week, the council was heavily criticised because no drivers had been repayed one month after the announcement, on January 8.

But today, Essex County Council confirmed letters will be sent to residents who were fined, detailing how they will be refunded.

A spokesman said: “Letters will be sent to residents this week who are entitled to receive a refund.

“Repayments will also be sent from this week in a phased approach depending on the payment method - online, cheque or cash.”