About this bus lane
The A34 Stratford Road corridor has eight separately enforced bus lane sections, each with its own hours — a classic trap for drivers who assume they're all the same.
This section operates weekday evening peak only (4–7pm Mon–Fri). Other sections of Stratford Road have different hours — always read the signs for the section you're on.
Birmingham City Council's own list of camera-enforced bus lane and bus gate sites, supplied under freedom of information request 86694511 in August 2026, does not include this road. The bus lane and its signed hours still apply, but the council does not enforce it with a camera.
Who can use it
- Buses
- Licensed taxis
- Pedal cycles
- Solo motorcycles
Not permitted
- Cars
- Vans
- Lorries
- Private hire vehicles
Where exactly is it?
A34 Stratford Road, outbound, York Road to Green Road (Hall Green North) — one of 8 enforced sections on this road. View on Google Maps →
Got a PCN here?
Birmingham City Council's own list of camera-enforced sites does not include this one, so a camera PCN from this location would be unexpected — check the notice carefully and make sure it names the road you were actually on. If it does, it is still £70, reduced to £35 within 14 days, and our step-by-step appeal guide covers the grounds that actually win. The restriction itself is not optional: the traffic order is in force and the police keep their own power to act.
Frequently asked questions
What are the operating times of the Stratford Road (A34) bus lane?
The Stratford Road Bus Lane in Birmingham operates 4pm to 7pm, Monday to Friday (this outbound section; other Stratford Road sections differ — check signs). Outside these hours, general traffic may use the road normally.
How much is the fine for driving through the Stratford Road (A34) bus lane?
Birmingham City Council issues a Penalty Charge Notice of £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days. There are no penalty points — it is a civil penalty.
Who is allowed to use the Stratford Road (A34) bus lane?
Buses, licensed taxis, pedal cycles and solo motorcycles are permitted. Not permitted: cars, vans, lorries and private hire vehicles.
Can I appeal a PCN from the Stratford Road (A34) bus lane?
Yes, and it costs nothing. Make formal representations to Birmingham City Council first — the authority that issued the PCN has to consider them before it can enforce the penalty. If Birmingham City Council rejects them it must issue a Notice of Rejection, and you can then appeal free to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal. Its adjudicators are lawyers independent of the enforcing authority, and their decision is binding on both sides. Birmingham City Council does not publish this bus lane's operating times centrally, which makes signage the decisive issue: the restriction has to be signed clearly enough to be understood on approach, and unclear signage is a recognised ground of appeal. It is worth doing: Birmingham City Council accepted 39% of the 1,206 formal challenges it received in 2025/26, and of the 459 that went on to the tribunal, 174 succeeded (figures from its own FOI response). Note that paying the £35 discounted rate accepts liability and closes the case, so challenge before you pay.