About this bus lane
A twin-peak lane: it runs from 7am to 10am in the morning and again from 4pm to 6.30pm in the evening, Monday to Friday, and applies to westbound and north-westbound traffic. Outside those periods, and at weekends, general traffic may use it.
Cyclists are allowed through at all times, along with motorcycles, taxis and emergency vehicles. This is the newest camera-enforced bus lane in Bristol: enforcement began on 2 February 2026 and it drew about 1,190 penalty charge notices in its first two months.
It is a separate lane from the long-standing Wells Road camera at the Three Lamps junction further down the hill. Bristol City Council first published the hours for this lane in its response to freedom of information request 77300054, answered on 12 August 2026, which gave them in the council’s own formatting as “7am -10am-16:00 -18:30” without saying which days they applied to; asked to clarify, the council confirmed in its response to request 78744825, answered on 19 August 2026, that the lane operates Monday to Friday and that pedal cycles are permitted.
Who can use it
- Buses
- Bicycles
- Motorcycles
- Taxis
- Emergency vehicles
Not permitted
- Cars
- Vans
- Lorries
Where exactly is it?
A37 Wells Road, near Bushy Park, Knowle, 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 A37 Wells Road bus lane?
The A37 Wells Road Bus Lane (Bushy Park) in Bristol operates 7am to 10am and 4pm to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday. Outside these hours, general traffic may use the road normally.
How much is the fine for driving through the A37 Wells Road bus lane?
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 A37 Wells Road bus lane?
Buses, bicycles, motorcycles, taxis and emergency vehicles are permitted. Not permitted: cars, vans and lorries.
Can I appeal a PCN from the A37 Wells Road bus lane?
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. The grounds that win here are that your vehicle was not in the bus lane during its operating times (7–10am, 4–6.30pm Mon–Fri), that it was an exempt vehicle, or that the signage did not make the restriction clear. Note that paying the £35 discounted rate accepts liability and closes the case, so challenge before you pay.