36 million UK drivers risk £70 fines from little-known road restriction

Millions of UK motorists could be at risk of receiving a £70 fine after research shows that 84% of drivers don’t know what a bus gate is.  

The little-known road restrictions are becoming increasingly common across towns and cities, with drivers often only discovering they've entered one when a penalty charge notice arrives through the post weeks later. 

The warning comes as councils continue to enforce bus gates using cameras, issuing fines to unauthorised vehicles that pass through restricted routes. 

One bus gate in Preston has generated more than £3.7 million in fines since June 2024. 

To help motorists avoid falling foul of the restrictions, Keith Hawes, Director at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, has shared why bus gates continue to catch drivers out, how to spot them and what to do if you've been caught out by one.  

A bus gate is a short section of road that restricts access to certain vehicles, usually allowing buses, cycles, and sometimes taxis through while preventing general traffic from entering. 

Unlike a bus lane, it can cover the full width of the road rather than a separate lane. 

• "BUS GATE" markings painted on the road surface  
• Blue circular signs showing which vehicles are permitted to continue, such as buses and bicycles  
• Time plates underneath signs indicating when restrictions are in force  
• Enforcement cameras monitoring the route

Most bus gates are enforced using cameras. Drivers who enter without permission may receive a Penalty Charge Notice through the post. 

In many areas, the penalty is £70, although councils often reduce this to £35 if the fine is paid within the early-payment period. 

Bus gates have been around for quite a while in the UK, but are much less well-known than bus lanes. 

Bus lanes are common in almost every UK town and city and are easily identifiable thanks to their length and clear signage. 

Bus gates are harder to spot, and for those in an urban area they're not used to, they can easily be driven through without noticing. 

It's only been in recent years that councils have stepped up enforcement of bus gates, with ANPR cameras implemented to catch drivers and issue fines. 

The best example is Corporation Street in Preston. Enforcement began in June 2024, and reports in early 2026 state that motorists have paid more than £3.7 million in penalties! 

If you think you've entered a bus gate accidentally, don't stop or suddenly reverse into traffic behind. The safety of other road users matters first, so continue safely and check whether the restriction applies to your vehicle. 

If a PCN arrives: 

• Check the details are correct and match your vehicle
• Review any evidence provided 
• Check the payment deadline and discounted payment period 
• Appeal the PCN if you believe it was issued incorrectly, or pay the fine

Bus gates can be easy to miss if you're unfamiliar with them, particularly when restrictions differ between locations and times of day. 

The best way to avoid costly fines is to pay close attention to road signs, check which vehicles are permitted, and never solely rely on your sat-nav. 

Sources 

Sky News,"What on earth is a bus gate? It cost me £35"  

GOV.UK, Bus and cycle signs and road markings

Oxfordshire County Council, Bus lanes and bus gates  

West Sussex County Council, Bus Gate Enforcement  

Leeds bus gate enforcement figures  

Preston bus gate enforcement figures