Bus lane fines

Bus lanes

Bus priority measures' include traffic lanes or sections of the street solely for use by buses or taxis and certain specifically exempt vehicles, which other vehicles are not permitted to use. 

These may be in the form of:

• bus lanes
• bus gates or tram gates
• bus only or tram only streets.

Collectively these are called 'bus lanes'.

Hours of operation may be at all times or at specified hours and/or days as shown on road signs.

When is a bus lane fine issued?

Vehicles using bus lanes to gain advantage over queuing traffic, or as shortcuts, cause disruption to vehicles making legitimate use of the bus lanes.

The enforcement of bus lanes will be carried out by a static approved camera, which can be relocated between enforcement sites when needed. The camera takes a recording of all vehicles using the bus lane. After identifying those vehicles that are not allowed to use the bus lane an evidence pack is assembled and a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) is issued by post. A PCN will be issued on any vehicle considered to be in contravention of the restrictions (using the bus lane when they are not permitted to). 

You can get more information about enforcement and penalty charge notices, as well as parking and bus lane regulations for councils in England (outside London) and Wales that are in the Civil Enforcement Scheme on the PATROL website

Cost

A bus lane contravention penalty charge is £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days.

Failure to pay within 28 days of the date of service of the PCN (deemed to be two working days after posting), may lead to further increases in the PCN amount, debt registration and ultimately enforcement.

Find out more about the use of Enforcement Agents (bailiffs) [PDF].