Birmingham's transport boss has defended the city's controversial bus lanes scheme and denies claims it may be illegal .
Stephen Knapp,from the independent Traffic Penalty Tribunal, has asked the authority to defend the plan which has led to thousands of unwitting motorists being fined .
The TPT has asked Birmingham City Council to explain why certain traffic signs do not appear to comply with Department for Transport regulations .
But Councillor Tahir Ali, the city's transport chief, claimed the scheme was above board and legitimate.
Coun Ali (Lab, Nechells) said: "The adjudicator has requested additional information before he makes a decision which is right and proper.
"Today, Birmingham City Council will be making a submission and we believe the bus lane signs are within regulation and within the law.
"The adjudicator has not stated that the signs are not within regulation or illegal and has simply requested further information.
"The council is confident the scheme is legal and our officers will defend it to that affect."
Mr Knapp is due in Birmingham on February 12 and 13 to hear the first appeals over the much-maligned bus lane enforcement cameras.
Between the cameras' introduction last September and mid-December, 80,000 parking tickets have been issued to drivers with £60 fines, halved if paid promptly .
