FineFlip Guide
TfL Bus Lane Fine Appeal
Transport for London enforces bus lanes across the capital using CCTV cameras. TfL bus lane PCNs are among the most commonly challenged fines in London, and many are overturned due to signage issues, exemptions, and procedural failures. This guide covers the London-specific process.
Challenge your TfL bus lane fine in 2 minutes
FineFlip generates a formal representation letter citing the London Local Authorities and Transport for London Act 2003.
Check my bus lane appeal freeHow TfL bus lane enforcement works
TfL uses CCTV cameras on the Transport for London Road Network (TLRN) to detect vehicles driving in bus lanes during restricted hours. When a contravention is detected, a PCN is issued to the registered keeper. The PCN is typically £130, reduced to £65 if paid within 14 days.
London-specific legislation
TfL bus lanes are enforced under the London Local Authorities and Transport for London Act 2003. This is different from bus lane enforcement outside London, which falls under the Traffic Management Act 2004. The signage requirements still come from the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 (TSRGD 2016).
Common grounds for appealing a TfL bus lane fine
- Bus lane signs not compliant with TSRGD 2016
- Drove outside restricted hours
- Forced into the bus lane by an emergency vehicle or obstruction
- Vehicle broke down
- Taxi or licensed hackney carriage (exempt on many routes)
- PCN served more than 28 days after the contravention
- CCTV evidence does not clearly show a contravention
The TfL appeal process
- Make a formal representation to TfL within 28 days
- TfL reviews and responds (usually within 56 days)
- If rejected, appeal to London Tribunals (free, independent)
- The adjudicator makes a binding decision
London Tribunals
London Tribunals is the independent adjudication service for parking and traffic PCNs in London. If TfL rejects your formal representation, you can appeal online at londontribunals.gov.uk. The adjudicator reviews the case independently and their decision is binding on TfL. There is no charge for this service.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
How do I appeal a TfL bus lane fine?
You can make a formal representation to TfL within 28 days of the PCN being served. TfL must respond. If they reject your representation, you can appeal to London Tribunals — an independent adjudication service — at no cost.
Are TfL bus lane fines different from council bus lane fines?
TfL bus lanes in London are enforced under the London Local Authorities and Transport for London Act 2003, while council bus lanes outside London are enforced under the Traffic Management Act 2004. The appeal process differs — TfL rejections go to London Tribunals, not the Traffic Penalty Tribunal.
How much is a TfL bus lane fine?
A TfL bus lane PCN is typically £130, reduced to £65 if paid within 14 days. If you do not pay or challenge it, the amount can increase. Making a formal representation within 28 days protects your right to pay at the reduced rate if your appeal is rejected.