Preston's Corporation Street Bus Gate Crowned UK's Most Lucrative Penalty Zone
The Corporation Street bus gate in Preston, Lancashire, has been identified as Britain's most financially rewarding penalty zone, generating a staggering £4,200 daily from motorists. This enforcement point issues a colossal 47,176 penalties each year, which is approximately 13,000 more than any other comparable site across the country.
Substantial Revenue and Local Frustration
Annually, this influx of fines swells council coffers by £1,545,816, surpassing the second highest-earning penalty spot by £400,000 and doubling the revenue of the third-place location. Thousands of drivers are caught annually, with many reporting that they missed the small circular signs and red road markings indicating that the area is restricted to buses only.
Motorists who traverse the 96-metre stretch face a £35 penalty, escalating to £105 if not settled within the initial 21 days. Implemented in May 2024, the bus gate prohibits all vehicles except authorised buses, taxis, and bicycles around the clock, monitored by two cameras at junctions with Marsh Lane and Heatley Street.
Local residents, who have collectively paid over £1 million in fines, describe the zone as a cash cow for the council. Keith Brierley, 83, remarked, "They're raking in thousands a week from people who haven't got a clue. I've never been caught out myself but I moan about it enough, I might as well have done." In one hour alone on a Wednesday afternoon last month, the council collected £490 from seven drivers.
Navigation Challenges and Economic Impact
To avoid fines, drivers must take a detour in a U-shaped loop before rejoining Corporation Street, a route complicated by the pedestrianised Friargate running parallel. Anne Fisher, 65, a volunteer at a local hospice shop, noted that the road does not change in width or direction to signal the bus gate, catching many newcomers. "You can't come into the city centre directly anymore so it's simply putting people off coming in and out of Preston at all," she added, suggesting it has turned back streets into rat runs.
Businesses have also felt the impact, with Vicky Brown, managing director of Gainsborough Flooring, reporting customer losses due to the bus gate.
Council Response and National Context
The local authority maintains that all revenue from fines is allocated to road maintenance and safety improvements. Drivers were given a five-week grace period to adapt to new signs before enforcement began. Despite this, only 109 appeals have been lodged against fines on Corporation Street, with just 22 successful. Nationally, around half of all appeals against bus lane Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) are refused.
Labour city councillor Suleman Sarwar expressed frustration, stating, "It is deeply frustrating that the revenue raised is absorbed into a wider county pot. When enforcement is constant but bus frequency is not, people understandably see it as a money-making scheme."
Since 2005, councils have issued fines for bus lane offences, with 1,153 penalty zones nationwide. Data from 102 councils responding to a freedom of information request shows 1.93 million PCNs issued, generating £49.3 million. Manchester City Council alone collected £5.3 million from 127,975 PCNs, while Suffolk and Hertfordshire are among authorities that do not penalise drivers for using bus lanes or gates. Lancashire County Council has been approached for further comment on the matter.
