Edmonds pictured using bus lanes

Noel Edmonds' spokesman said the star was protesting against congestion

Presenter Noel Edmonds has admitted driving his personal taxi in Bristol bus lanes - to "help" other drivers.

The Deal Or No Deal host was spotted using the red lanes in his unlicensed black cab, which has a sign on the back saying "action against time-thieves".

Edmonds' spokesman Mark Borkowski said Mr Edmonds was being "slightly cheeky".

He added: "Perhaps by getting out of clogged, congested traffic lanes and getting into the bus lane, clearly he's helping people who are clogged up."

Mr Borkowski said by using empty bus lanes Edmonds was also making a point about the congested state of Bristol roads.

He was seen using the lanes twice in two weeks, his spokesman confirmed.

'Not for celebrities'

The star risked a £60 fine if caught by council detection units, which are soon to be activated.

A CCTV bus lane monitoring trial is expected to end later this month, after which fines will be issued.

Bristol City Council transport chief, Jon Rogers, said: "Bus lanes are there for buses, [licensed] taxis and cyclists - not for celebrities."

Edmonds was photographed earlier this month on journeys from his home and the Endemol West studios, in Bristol, where the Deal Or No Deal game show is filmed.

The 'action against time thieves' sign on Edmonds' cab is a reference to his campaign against people who waste his time, including time spent in traffic jams.