About this bus gate
Camden's West End Project made the whole of Tottenham Court Road buses-and-cycles-only as a through route from March 2021, with ANPR cameras added in July 2022 after widespread non-compliance.
Only local buses and cycles may use Tottenham Court Road as a through route 8am–7pm Monday to Saturday; sections at either end are restricted at all times. Taxis are NOT exempt.
Exemptions: emergency vehicles, Dial-a-Ride and Camden refuse vehicles. Enforced by ANPR cameras at multiple points along the road.
Who can use it
- Local buses
- Pedal cycles
Not permitted
- Cars
- Vans
- Lorries
- Taxis and private hire vehicles
- Motorcycles
- Coaches
Where exactly is it?
Tottenham Court Road between Euston Road and St Giles Circus, London W1/WC1. Open the exact location in Google Maps → Pin from Transport for London's own bus lane dataset.
Got a PCN from this camera?
Don't panic, and don't ignore it. Pay £80 within 14 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 Tottenham Court Road bus gate?
The Tottenham Court Road Restriction (buses and cycles only) in Camden operates 8am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday (some sections at all times). Outside these hours, general traffic may use the road normally.
How much is the fine for driving through the Tottenham Court Road bus gate?
Camden Council issues a Penalty Charge Notice of £160, reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days. There are no penalty points — it is a civil penalty.
Who is allowed to use the Tottenham Court Road bus gate?
Local buses and pedal cycles are permitted. Not permitted: cars, vans, lorries, taxis and private hire vehicles, motorcycles and coaches.
Can I appeal a PCN from the Tottenham Court Road bus gate?
Yes, and it costs nothing. Make formal representations to Camden Council first — the authority that issued the PCN has to consider them before it can enforce the penalty. If Camden Council rejects them it must issue a Notice of Rejection, and you can then appeal free to the Environment and Traffic Adjudicators at London Tribunals. 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 gate during its operating times (8am–7pm Mon–Sat), that it was an exempt vehicle, or that the approach signage did not give enough warning before the point of no return. Note that paying the £80 discounted rate accepts liability and closes the case, so challenge before you pay.