About this bus gate
Part of the Bristol Bridge restrictions introduced in 2020 — one of the city's biggest sources of bus gate fines.
Operates at all times. Solo motorcycles and taxis are permitted here, unlike many bus gates.
Who can use it
- Buses
- Taxis
- Motorcycles
- Pedal cycles
Not permitted
- Cars
- Vans
- Lorries
Where exactly is it?
Baldwin Street, Bristol city centre (part of the Bristol Bridge scheme). View on Google Maps →
Got a PCN from this camera?
Don't panic, and don't ignore it. Pay £35 within 21 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 Baldwin Street bus gate?
The Baldwin Street Bus Gate in Bristol operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is no time of day when general traffic may use it.
How much is the fine for driving through the Baldwin Street bus gate?
Bristol City Council issues a Penalty Charge Notice of £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days. There are no penalty points — it is a civil penalty.
Who is allowed to use the Baldwin Street bus gate?
Buses, taxis, motorcycles and pedal cycles are permitted. Not permitted: cars, vans and lorries.
Can I appeal a PCN from the Baldwin Street bus gate?
Yes, and it costs nothing. Make formal representations to Bristol City Council first — the authority that issued the PCN has to consider them before it can enforce the penalty. If Bristol 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. This bus gate operates 24 hours, so "I was outside the operating times" is not open to you — the grounds that win here are that your vehicle was exempt, that the details on the PCN are wrong, or that the approach signage did not give enough warning before the point of no return. Note that paying the £35 discounted rate accepts liability and closes the case, so challenge before you pay.