Council Fine CheckBus lane and bus gate PCNs are almost always camera PCNs sent by post. A bus lane is a lane alongside other traffic (code 34, "being in a bus lane"). A bus gate is a short stretch of road, or a point, that only buses and other permitted vehicles may pass (usually code 33, "using a route restricted to certain vehicles").
Who can issue them
In London, the boroughs and TfL. Outside London, councils that have taken on civil enforcement of bus lanes under the Traffic Management Act. The PCN goes to the registered keeper; there is no Notice to Owner stage (DfT guidance).
What to check first
- Hours. Many lanes and gates only operate at certain times. Compare the time on the PCN with the sign.
- Signs and markings. The restriction has to be shown by the correct signs and road markings. A bus gate sign you could only see once committed is worth photographing.
- Exemptions. The sign says which vehicles may use it (for example taxis or cycles). Check whether your vehicle is one of them.
- The footage. Ask the council for stills or to view the recording; outside London and for parking it must provide them free (SI 2022/576, reg 3(3)).
- Timing. The PCN should normally be served within 28 days of the date.
Costs and discount
In London a bus lane PCN is £160, or £80 if paid within the discount period (21 days for CCTV PCNs according to London Councils, though some boroughs state 14) (London Councils). Outside London the amount follows the national bands, and the 50% discount applies for 21 days.
Grounds
Outside London you can use all the statutory grounds, including procedural impropriety and compelling reasons. In London the bus lane grounds are narrower: not the owner, no breach of the bus lane order, taken without consent, or police action for the same event (London Tribunals).
Find your council's bus lane and bus gate cameras on its council page, or run the checker.