Contravention Code 47 — Stopped on a Restricted Bus Stop or Stand

Last updated: March 2026

Bus stops marked as clearways are strictly no-stopping zones for all vehicles except buses. Code 47 is a higher-level contravention and often caught on CCTV, but defences do exist — particularly around signage, emergencies, and the precise scope of the clearway.

What Does Code 47 Mean?

Contravention code 47 is a higher-level contravention issued when a vehicle (other than a local bus) stops in a bus stop clearway during its hours of operation. Note the word “stopped” — unlike most parking codes, code 47 applies even if you remain with the vehicle. The penalty is at the higher band: £70 outside London or £130 in London, halved for early payment. In London, many bus stop contraventions are enforced by CCTV under Transport for London (TfL) powers.

Bus Stop Clearway Rules

A bus stop clearway is marked by a wide yellow line along the kerb with a “bus stop” sign showing a red cross and the clearway's operating hours. During those hours, no vehicle other than a scheduled local bus may stop within the marked area — not even to pick up or set down passengers. Some clearways operate 24 hours; others have restricted hours shown on the sign.

It is important to distinguish between a bus stop clearway and a simple bus stop. A bus stop without clearway markings may allow brief stopping, depending on local restrictions.

TfL vs Council Enforcement

In London, bus stop contraventions are frequently enforced by CCTV cameras operated by TfL. The PCN will be posted to you rather than placed on the windscreen. Outside London, enforcement is typically carried out by local council CEOs. The appeal process differs slightly: TfL PCNs are appealed to London Tribunals (formerly PATAS), while council PCNs go to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal.

Common Defences

Outside Clearway Hours

If the bus stop clearway does not operate 24 hours and you stopped outside the restricted times, the PCN should not have been issued. Check the sign carefully for operating hours. CCTV-enforced PCNs sometimes contain timestamp errors — compare the PCN time with your own records.

No Clearway Markings or Signage

A bus stop clearway must be properly marked with the wide yellow kerb line and signed with the appropriate clearway sign. If the markings are faded or missing, or the sign is absent, obscured, or non-compliant, the restriction may be unenforceable. Photograph the location promptly.

Emergency or Breakdown

If you stopped in the bus stop due to a genuine emergency — a vehicle breakdown, a medical episode, or to avoid an accident — this is a strong mitigating defence. Provide evidence such as breakdown recovery receipts, medical records, or a detailed account of the emergency circumstances.

Directed by a Police Officer or Traffic Warden

If a police officer or other authorised person directed you to stop in the bus stop area, this overrides the clearway restriction. A witness statement or incident reference number supports this defence.

CCTV Evidence Issues

For camera-enforced PCNs, request the full CCTV footage. The footage must clearly show your vehicle within the clearway markings for a sufficient period. If the footage is unclear, does not show the clearway markings, or captures only a momentary stop while in moving traffic, you can challenge the evidence.

What Are Your Chances of Success?

Code 47 appeals are more difficult than many parking contraventions because bus stop clearways are usually well-signed and often camera-enforced. However, signage defences remain effective where markings are faded, and emergency defences succeed when supported by evidence. CCTV evidence challenges can also be effective if the footage does not clearly prove the contravention. At tribunal, the adjudicator will expect clear evidence of both the clearway restriction and your vehicle's presence within it.

Related Guides

• How to Appeal a Council Parking Ticket (PCN)
• Traffic Penalty Tribunal — How It Works
• How to Appeal a Bus Lane Fine