About this bus gate
Buses, taxis and cycles only at all times east of Milk Street; the rest of Cheapside up to the Poultry junction is access-only for other vehicles (exit eastbound). Originally an experimental traffic order, made permanent by the City Corporation on 4 February 2025.
The City of London Corporation enforces bus lanes and moving traffic restrictions by CCTV across the Square Mile.
Who can use it
- Buses
- Black cabs (hackney carriages)
- Pedal cycles
Not permitted
- Cars
- Vans
- Lorries
- Private hire vehicles
- Motorcycles
Where exactly is it?
Cheapside just east of Milk Street, City of London EC2 (westernmost section of the restricted stretch to King Street/Queen Street). View on Google Maps →
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 Cheapside bus gate?
The Cheapside Bus Gate in City of London 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 Cheapside bus gate?
City of London Corporation 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 Cheapside bus gate?
Buses, black cabs (hackney carriages) and pedal cycles are permitted. Not permitted: cars, vans, lorries, private hire vehicles and motorcycles.
Can I appeal a PCN from the Cheapside bus gate?
Yes, and it costs nothing. Make formal representations to City of London Corporation first — the authority that issued the PCN has to consider them before it can enforce the penalty. If City of London Corporation 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. 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 £80 discounted rate accepts liability and closes the case, so challenge before you pay.