How to Appeal a Bus Lane Fine — TfL & Council Guide

Last updated: March 2026

Bus lane fines are among the most commonly issued — and commonly appealed — PCNs in the UK. Whether your ticket came from TfL or a local council, this guide explains your options and the defences that actually work.

What Triggers a Bus Lane PCN?

Bus lane PCNs are almost always captured by CCTV cameras rather than a traffic warden. The camera records your vehicle entering or driving in a bus lane during restricted hours. Common scenarios include accidentally drifting into a bus lane in heavy traffic, using a bus lane to make a left turn too early, or not realising the restriction hours had changed.

In London, TfL manages bus lanes on the red route network, while individual London boroughs enforce bus lanes on other roads. Outside London, local councils handle enforcement. The penalty is typically £65 (reduced to £32.50 if paid within 14 days) outside London, or £160 (reduced to £80) on TfL roads.

Time Limits for Bus Lane Appeals

The time limits mirror those for standard parking PCNs:

• Informal challenge: 28 days from the date of the PCN to submit an informal representation.
• Formal representation: If rejected and a Notice to Owner is issued, you have a further 28 days.
• Tribunal: 28 days from the Notice of Rejection to appeal to the London Tribunals (for London) or the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (outside London).

The 14-day discount period is typically frozen during an informal challenge, so you do not lose the discount by appealing.

Reviewing the CCTV Evidence

Before appealing, always request the CCTV footage or stills. You are entitled to view this evidence — the issuing authority must provide it on request. Look carefully at the following:

• Does the footage clearly show your vehicle in the bus lane?
• Can you identify the exact location and confirm the restriction applies?
• Is the timestamp accurate, and does it fall within the restricted hours?
• Are there any obstructions, roadworks, or other vehicles that may have forced you into the lane?

Common Defences for Bus Lane Fines

Forced Entry Due to Obstruction

If you were directed into the bus lane by a police officer, forced to move by an emergency vehicle, or pushed into the lane by roadworks or an obstruction, you have a strong defence. This also applies if another vehicle was blocking your path and you had no reasonable alternative.

Making a Permitted Left Turn

Most bus lanes allow vehicles to enter within a certain distance of a left-hand junction. If you entered the bus lane to make a legitimate left turn and the camera caught you in that zone, check the signage — you may have been within the permitted distance. The council must prove you entered too early.

Emergency Situations

Genuine medical emergencies — such as driving someone to hospital or suffering a medical episode behind the wheel — are valid grounds. You will need evidence such as hospital records or a letter from your GP.

Unclear or Missing Signage

Bus lane restrictions must be clearly indicated by road signs showing the operating hours and vehicle types permitted. If signs were missing, obscured, or contradictory (for example, showing different hours on approach signs versus repeater signs), photograph the signage and use this as evidence. Google Street View can also be helpful if the signage has not changed since your contravention.

Restriction Not in Force

Some bus lanes only operate during peak hours (e.g., 7am–10am and 4pm–7pm). If the contravention occurred outside these hours, the PCN should not have been issued. Cross-reference the time on the PCN with the posted restriction hours.

The Tribunal Process

London Tribunals and the Traffic Penalty Tribunal are independent adjudication services, free to use. You submit your case online with evidence. Most bus lane appeals are decided on the papers without a hearing. The adjudicator reviews the CCTV evidence, your submissions, and the council’s response. If you win, the PCN is cancelled. If you lose, you pay the standard (non-discounted) amount — there is no additional penalty for appealing.

Related Guides

• How to Appeal a Council Parking Ticket (PCN)
• Traffic Penalty Tribunal — How It Works
• Parking Ticket Time Limits
• Box Junction Fine Appeal