A motorist has highlighted confusion over a common blue and white road sign that can lead to a £70 fine. The sign indicates a bus gate, a short section of road restricted to buses and authorised vehicles, but many drivers are unaware of its meaning.
Driver's Experience with Bus Gate Fine
Greg, a driver visiting Swindon, received a £70 fine from Swindon Borough Council for going through a bus gate while looking for an electric vehicle charging point at 8am on a Sunday morning in June. He contested the fine, arguing there was no traffic and he was not gaining an advantage, but eventually paid the reduced £35 for prompt payment.
Greg admitted he had never heard of a bus gate, and when he asked friends, not a single person knew what it was. He noted that the blue sign with a bus and bicycle means only those vehicles can enter, and that the words 'bus gate' were painted on the road, but he missed them while navigating an unfamiliar area.
What Is a Bus Gate?
A bus gate is a short length of bus-only street, according to the Department for Transport. Brighton & Hove council explains that only buses, cycles, private hire vehicles, taxis, and exempt emergency vehicles can drive through bus gates, and all road users must comply with signs to avoid a penalty charge notice (PCN).
Driving through a bus gate typically results in a £70 fine, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days, and rising to £90 or £105 after 28 days, depending on the local council.
Difference from Bus Lanes and Revenue Raised
Unlike a bus gate, a bus lane is marked by a solid thick white line and the words 'Bus Lane' on the road, with clear signage. Greg believes local authorities raise millions from bus gate fines, and he questions the clarity of signage, suggesting a sign saying 'no entry, except...' would be clearer.
Some councils have collected significant revenue from bus gate fines. Cambridge City Council issued £1 million worth of fines in a year at the Mill Road bridge bus gate, introduced in March 2025. A Freedom of Information request by the Local Democracy Reporting Service found 15,483 fines had been issued as of April 29 this year, with 4,677 in the first seven weeks.
