A single roundabout in Carmarthenshire has become a major revenue generator for the local authority, raising more than £1 million in bus lane fines from drivers in less than three years.
The 'Magic Roundabout' Revenue Stream
The focus of this financial windfall is Trostre Roundabout in Llanelli. This five-exit roundabout features one lane designated solely for buses. Despite signage, thousands of motorists have inadvertently used the restricted exit, triggering a £70 penalty charge notice.
The scale of the fines was revealed through Freedom of Information requests made to Carmarthenshire Council. The data shows that between December 2022 and November 2023, the council collected £509,525 from drivers misusing the lane.
More recent figures, covering January 2024 to July 2025, are even more staggering. In that 17-month period, over 16,000 penalty notices were issued, generating an income of £654,999.
Drivers Feel Trapped by Layout
Many motorists have complained about the setup, arguing it feels like a trap. One woman contacted WalesOnline to explain her frustration, stating that the bus lane only begins after leaving the roundabout, making it dangerous to reverse and correct the error.
Another driver described the situation as "a modern-day highway robbery," while a third labelled it the "council's magic roundabout" and called for investment in clearer signage. The signage includes a small blue bus symbol with the words 'Yn unig/only' and faded 'buses only' text on the road surface.
Council Defends Signage and Spending
Carmarthenshire Council has consistently defended the roundabout's design. Councillor Edward Thomas, cabinet member for transport, waste, and infrastructure services, stated that the traffic signs are fully compliant with regulations.
"We have ensured that all approach roads to the roundabout include advance signs warning approaching drivers that one of the accesses off the roundabout is restricted," he explained. The council insists the income is not used as general revenue.
Under national legislation, any surplus from enforcement fines must be reinvested into specific transport functions. This includes improving public transport, enhancing road safety, and maintaining highways. The council argues this benefits all road users and reduces congestion.
Nevertheless, the roundabout's earnings are remarkable. The revenue from this one bus lane surpasses the total collected from parking fines across the entire county in a typical year, highlighting its significant financial impact for the local authority.
