Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Bus lane fine

71 replies

SleeplessinSeattle53 · 02/09/2023 12:57

Has anyone successfully appealed a bus lane/gate fine?

I've been sent a penalty notice for driving in a 'bus gate' (what even is that?) but there are no road markings visible and I'm overtaking some roadworks so had to be in that lane temporarily.

I've sent an appeal off - do they put the time they give you on hold to pay at the cheaper price?

Am bloody fuming, the city I live in is getting worse and worse for this kind of thing. There's barely anywhere that allows cars any more.

OP posts:
Thewizardbinbag · 02/09/2023 12:59

A bus gate is a road which is closed to cars but open to buses (and sometimes taxis). There won’t always be road markings but there will be road signs.

So, if you went through a bus gate then it doesn’t matter if you were passing roadworks, you shouldn’t have been driving down that road at all.

Where was it?

Original poster
SleeplessinSeattle53 · 02/09/2023 13:04

But I've looked at the detailed map online which shows where cars are allowed. The bus gate is a tiny tiny bit of that road, and I was only on that section of the road to get past roadworks. I was on a road where cars are allowed.

It was in the city centre of the city I live in.

OP posts:
Againstmachine · 02/09/2023 13:04

There will have been plenty of signs.
If you didn't notice them you probably shouldn't be driving.

Original poster
SleeplessinSeattle53 · 02/09/2023 13:07

Againstmachine · 02/09/2023 13:04

There will have been plenty of signs.
If you didn't notice them you probably shouldn't be driving.

Helpful, thanks.

OP posts:
Missedmytoe · 02/09/2023 13:10

If you're saying that the road works rerouted/redirected you through the bus gate then you should be able to get confirmation of this.
A photograph of the diversion caused by the roadworks and also details of the company carrying out the works should do, I think. The company doing the works should presumably have been given the okay by your roads or Highways team, and could confirm.

MrReflection · 02/09/2023 13:38

I only have knowledge in England. Not sure where you are based.

But it depends - if you appealed during the reduced fine period (normally 14days) then you should be offered a discounted fine period if your appeal is unsuccessful. It should tell you this on your Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)

Have you checked the viewmypcn website?

I have successfully appealed unjustified PCNs in the past, but then I am a traffic engineer by profession.

That said, if you have committed an offence like this through ignorance, that is no defence in law.

purplebluediscorain · 02/09/2023 13:39

You need to find out how long you were in there for you’re allowed to dip in to it for no longer than 20 metres.

Skybluecoat · 02/09/2023 13:40

Are you in Brighton?

I’ve been done twice in that Bus Gate thingy!!

Not worth appealing though.

Lds1 · 02/09/2023 13:42

Leeds is so bad for bus gates now, I visited not too long ago and had to re route several times from the way I previously used to go, and also where the satnav was telling me to go

Original poster
SleeplessinSeattle53 · 02/09/2023 13:44

purplebluediscorain · 02/09/2023 13:39

You need to find out how long you were in there for you’re allowed to dip in to it for no longer than 20 metres.

Ah that's helpful knowledge - thanks.

I am in England.

OP posts:
Original poster
SleeplessinSeattle53 · 02/09/2023 13:45

Skybluecoat · 02/09/2023 13:40

Are you in Brighton?

I’ve been done twice in that Bus Gate thingy!!

Not worth appealing though.

Not Brighton, no.

OP posts:
BettyStogs · 02/09/2023 13:46

MrReflection · 02/09/2023 13:38

I only have knowledge in England. Not sure where you are based.

But it depends - if you appealed during the reduced fine period (normally 14days) then you should be offered a discounted fine period if your appeal is unsuccessful. It should tell you this on your Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)

Have you checked the viewmypcn website?

I have successfully appealed unjustified PCNs in the past, but then I am a traffic engineer by profession.

That said, if you have committed an offence like this through ignorance, that is no defence in law.

For bus lane PCNs, unlike parking PCNs, they don't hold at the discounted rate even if you challenge in the first 14 days. Legislation is different for buses and parking.

ChocolateCakeOverspill · 02/09/2023 13:53

Are you in Sheffield? I got one and I’ve still got no idea where I should have gone

Original poster
SleeplessinSeattle53 · 02/09/2023 13:56

ChocolateCakeOverspill · 02/09/2023 13:53

Are you in Sheffield? I got one and I’ve still got no idea where I should have gone

No, I'm in Leeds. I've literally no clue how I now get out of Leeds after dropping off at the train station.

OP posts:
MrReflection · 02/09/2023 13:58

BettyStogs · 02/09/2023 13:46

For bus lane PCNs, unlike parking PCNs, they don't hold at the discounted rate even if you challenge in the first 14 days. Legislation is different for buses and parking.

Show quote history

It all depends on the issuing authority - some do, some don't. Hence my use of "should" and the need to check the PCN. I know that Coventry extend the period.....

MrReflection · 02/09/2023 14:02

SleeplessinSeattle53 · 02/09/2023 13:56

No, I'm in Leeds. I've literally no clue how I now get out of Leeds after dropping off at the train station.

Show quote history

You can go to the Leeds council website and view the evidence. You just need your PCN number and car reg. And you get 14days to pay the lower fee if you're unsuccessful.

Original poster
SleeplessinSeattle53 · 02/09/2023 14:02

Ok my letter says 'if the penalty charge is paid before the end of 21 days beginning with the date of service of notice, the penalty charge will be reduced by half.'

But then the auto reply I got back from LCC says they're receiving a high volume of emails so they're going to sit on it for 3 weeks aren't they. Fuckers.

OP posts:
Pix56 · 02/09/2023 14:03

To answer your question Op, yes, people have successfully appealed a bus gate fine. Also, people have been unsuccessful in appealing.

If you're actually asking whether you should appeal, maybe post some useful information about your situation, like a Google maps link to the bus gate in question, or some photos, or maybe the fine itself...

Original poster
SleeplessinSeattle53 · 02/09/2023 14:06

@MrReflection the letter says I have to request the footage in writing. They've sent me two photos but it's difficult to tell if I'm at fault.

OP posts:
WhatCameFirstTheChickenOrTheDickhead · 02/09/2023 14:14

No idea on success of appeals as I think everyone I have spoken to hasn't bothered but I know exactly where you mean OP and know 4 people who have been caught by it in the last 6 months or so, 3 of which drive around Leeds city centre very regularly so you have my sympathy!

I've given up driving into Leeds now I either get the train or park and ride and tell anyone who wants picking up from the station to hop on another train out to Cross gates/Garforth and I'll get them from there as I'm not coming to get them from Leeds Grin

Original poster
SleeplessinSeattle53 · 02/09/2023 14:15

I think I need to do the same @WhatCameFirstTheChickenOrTheDickhead - it would have been cheaper paying for a taxi 😡

OP posts:
MrReflection · 02/09/2023 14:15

SleeplessinSeattle53 · 02/09/2023 14:06

@MrReflection the letter says I have to request the footage in writing. They've sent me two photos but it's difficult to tell if I'm at fault.

Have you checked here
Appeal a parking ticket or bus lane fine (leeds.gov.uk)

https://www.leeds.gov.uk/parking-roads-and-travel/parking/parking-tickets-and-bus-lane-fines/appeal-a-parking-ticket-or-bus-lane-fine#:~:text=How%20to%20appeal,on%20your%20ticket%20or%20letter.

Frabbits · 02/09/2023 14:15

So, did you need to go into the bus lane because the normal lane was closed due to roadworks?

In that case, I think you have decent grounds for appeal.

jallopeno · 02/09/2023 14:16

Go back and take a photo while the roadworks are still there