About this bus lane
Site EX003. Bus lane introduced 1994; applies Monday to Friday 7–10am and 4–7pm.
Reserved for buses, taxis, private hire vehicles and cycles. ANPR enforcement began 1 May 2026 — warning letters are issued for first offences until 1 November 2026, after which all contraventions receive a PCN.
Who can use it
- Buses
- Taxis
- Private hire vehicles
- Cycles
Not permitted
- Cars
- Vans
- Lorries
- Motorcycles
Where exactly is it?
Fore Street, Heavitree, between Butts Road and Church Street, Exeter. View on Google Maps →
Got a PCN from this camera?
Don't panic, and don't ignore it. Pay £35 within 21 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 Fore Street, Heavitree bus lane?
The Fore Street (Heavitree) Bus Lane in Exeter operates Monday to Friday, 7am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm. Outside these hours, general traffic may use the road normally.
How much is the fine for driving through the Fore Street, Heavitree bus lane?
Devon County 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 Fore Street, Heavitree bus lane?
Buses, taxis, private hire vehicles and cycles are permitted. Not permitted: cars, vans, lorries and motorcycles.
Can I appeal a PCN from the Fore Street, Heavitree bus lane?
Yes, and it costs nothing. Make formal representations to Devon County Council first — the authority that issued the PCN has to consider them before it can enforce the penalty. If Devon County 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 (Mon–Fri 7–10am, 4–7pm), 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.