About this bus lane
The bus lane operates between 8.00am and 10.00am and between 4.00pm and 6.00pm every day. Pedal cycles, stage carriages (buses), express carriages, school buses, works buses and taxis may use it; all other traffic must stay out during those hours.
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.
Transcribed from Article 33C(1)(B) 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?
Lowther Street, Carlisle — northbound carriageway (west side) from the junction with Devonshire Street to a point 37m north of the junction with Chapel 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 Lowther Street bus lane?
The Lowther Street Bus Lane (northbound) in Carlisle operates between 8.00am and 10.00am and between 4.00pm and 6.00pm, each day. Outside these hours, general traffic may use the road normally.
How much is the fine for driving through the Lowther 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 Lowther 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 Lowther 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. The grounds that win here are that your vehicle was not in the bus lane during its operating times (8–10am, 4–6pm daily), 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.