About this bus gate
One of two bus gates introduced as part of the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood trial scheme.
Buses, emergency vehicles, bicycles, solo motorcycles and taxis may pass at all times. A time-limited exemption also applies for residents and businesses on 14 named roads most affected by banned turns at Blackswarth Road's junction with Church Road, running until 1 March 2027 — not a general public exemption, so not shown as permitted vehicles here.
Beyond that, the same narrow application-based local exemptions apply as at the neighbouring Avonvale Road gate. Part of the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood scheme.
Who can use it
- Buses
- Emergency vehicles
- Bicycles
- Solo motorcycles
- Taxis
Not permitted
- Cars
- Vans
- Lorries
- HGVs
Where exactly is it?
Pile Marsh, between Avonvale Road and Netham Road, Bristol. 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 Pile Marsh bus gate?
The Pile Marsh Bus Gate in Bristol operates 24 hours a day, every day. There is no time of day when general traffic may use it.
How much is the fine for driving through the Pile Marsh 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 Pile Marsh bus gate?
Buses, emergency vehicles, bicycles, solo motorcycles and taxis are permitted. Not permitted: cars, vans, lorries and hGVs.
Can I appeal a PCN from the Pile Marsh 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.