About this bus lane
Two lanes with different rules: the south-east bound lane operates 7am–7pm Monday to Saturday (buses, taxis and cycles), while the westbound lane operates 24 hours and is for buses and cycles only — no taxis.
Hours and permitted vehicles from Transport for London's official London bus lane database (open data, last updated February 2026). 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?
Holborn Viaduct, City of London EC1. 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 Holborn Viaduct bus lane?
City of London Corporation's published record gives the operating times of the Holborn Viaduct Bus Lane in City of London as “Varies by direction — see notes” rather than a single time range, so the sign at the start of the lane is the definitive source.
How much is the fine for driving through the Holborn Viaduct bus lane?
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 Holborn Viaduct bus lane?
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 Holborn Viaduct bus lane?
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. City of London Corporation 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 £80 discounted rate accepts liability and closes the case, so challenge before you pay.