About this bus lane
The lane runs on every day except Sunday — Saturdays included, which catches drivers who assume peak-hour lanes are weekdays only. Outside those hours any vehicle may use it.
Permitted at all times are buses, pedal cycles, taxis and authorised vehicles; the council defines authorised vehicles as private hire cars, police, fire and ambulance vehicles, and vehicles removing an obstruction from or working on the road. Aberdeen City Council confirmed these hours in writing after they were not published anywhere on its website.
Transcribed from Aberdeen City Council’s response to freedom of information request FOI-857954922, dated 18 August 2026, and the Aberdeen City Council (Bus Lanes in Aberdeen) (Amendment) (No 2) Order 2011.
Who can use it
- Buses
- Cycles
- Taxis
- Authorised vehicles (private hire cars)
Not permitted
- Cars
- Vans
- Lorries
Where exactly is it?
King Street, Aberdeen. View on Google Maps →
Got a PCN from this camera?
Don't panic, and don't ignore it. Pay £50 within 14 days to halve the charge — or if the signage was unclear, the details are wrong, or you had a genuine reason to be in the lane, consider challenging it first. Our step-by-step appeal guide covers the grounds that actually win.
Frequently asked questions
What are the operating times of the King Street bus lane?
The King Street Bus Lane in Aberdeen operates Monday to Saturday, 7.30am to 9.30am and 4pm to 6pm. Outside these hours, general traffic may use the road normally.
How much is the fine for driving through the King Street bus lane?
Aberdeen City Council issues a Penalty Charge Notice of £100, reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days. There are no penalty points — it is a civil penalty.
Who is allowed to use the King Street bus lane?
Buses, cycles, taxis and authorised vehicles (private hire cars) are permitted. Not permitted: cars, vans and lorries.
Can I appeal a PCN from the King Street bus lane?
Yes, and it costs nothing. Challenge the charge with Aberdeen City Council within 28 days of the date on the notice. If Aberdeen City Council rejects them it must issue a Notice of Rejection, and you can then appeal free within 28 days of that rejection to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (General Regulatory Chamber). Its adjudicators are lawyers independent of the enforcing authority, and their decision is binding on both sides. The grounds that win here are that your vehicle was not in the bus lane during its operating times (Mon–Sat 7.30–9.30am & 4–6pm), that it was an exempt vehicle, or that the signage did not make the restriction clear. Note that paying the £50 discounted rate accepts liability and closes the case, so challenge before you pay.