About this bus lane
The Order specifies no hours for this lane, which means the restriction applies at all times. Vehicles may enter the lane to reach the designated loading bays on the east side of English Street for loading and unloading.
Cumberland Council has confirmed, in response to a freedom of information request in August 2026, that it operates no camera enforcement of bus lanes or bus gates anywhere in the authority. The restriction still applies and the police retain their own power to act.
Re-checked 2026-08-08 word-for-word against the Order's actual Articles (33A-33D), which matches exactly.
Transcribed from Articles 33C(1)(C) and 33C(1)(D) of the Carlisle Urban and Rural Area Traffic Regulation Order.
Who can use it
- Stage carriages (buses)
- Express carriages
- School buses
- Works buses
- Taxis
- Cycles
Not permitted
- Cars
- Vans
- Lorries
- Motorcycles
Where exactly is it?
English Street, Carlisle — northbound carriageway (east side) from a point 30m north of the junction with Citadel Row to the junction with Devonshire Street. View on Google Maps →
Got a PCN here?
Cumberland Council's own list of camera-enforced sites does not include this one, so a camera PCN from this location would be unexpected — check the notice carefully and make sure it names the road you were actually on. If it does, it is still £70, reduced to £35 within 21 days, and our step-by-step appeal guide covers the grounds that actually win. The restriction itself is not optional: the traffic order is in force and the police keep their own power to act.
Frequently asked questions
What are the operating times of the English Street bus lane?
The English Street Bus Lane in Carlisle operates at all times — no hours specified in the Traffic Regulation Order; check roadside signage. Outside these hours, general traffic may use the road normally.
How much is the fine for driving through the English Street bus lane?
Cumberland 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 English Street bus lane?
Stage carriages (buses), express carriages, school buses, works buses, taxis and cycles are permitted. Not permitted: cars, vans, lorries and motorcycles.
Can I appeal a PCN from the English Street bus lane?
Yes, and it costs nothing. Make formal representations to Cumberland Council first — the authority that issued the PCN has to consider them before it can enforce the penalty. If Cumberland 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. Cumberland Council does not publish this bus lane's operating times centrally, which makes signage the decisive issue: the restriction has to be signed clearly enough to be understood on approach, and unclear signage is a recognised ground of appeal. Note that paying the £35 discounted rate accepts liability and closes the case, so challenge before you pay.