About this bus gate
One of six camera-enforced bus gates introduced as part of the 2020 Bristol Bridge Project to prioritise buses and cut rat-running through the city centre.
Sourced directly from Bristol City Council's official Bristol Bridge Project enforcement information document. Operates at all times.
Who can use it
- Buses
- Taxis
- Motorcycles
- Pedal cycles
- Public service vehicles
Not permitted
- Cars
- Vans
- Lorries
Where exactly is it?
Victoria Street, where it joins Bristol Bridge, Bristol city centre. 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 Victoria Street bus gate?
The Victoria 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 Victoria 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 Victoria Street bus gate?
Buses, taxis, motorcycles, pedal cycles and public service vehicles are permitted. Not permitted: cars, vans and lorries.
Can I appeal a PCN from the Victoria 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.