About this bus lane
Site EX002. Bus lane introduced 2000, applies at all times.
Reserved for buses, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy commercial vehicles and cycles. ANPR enforcement began 8 Dec 2025; full PCN enforcement since 1 July 2026.
Who can use it
- Buses
- Taxis
- Private hire vehicles
- Heavy commercial vehicles
- Cycles
Not permitted
- Cars
- Vans
- Motorcycles
Where exactly is it?
Topsham Road (outbound), from Buckerell Avenue south-east across Barrack Road to just before Burnthouse Lane, 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 Topsham Road bus lane?
The Topsham Road Bus Lane in Exeter operates at all times (24 hours a day, all days). There is no time of day when general traffic may use it.
How much is the fine for driving through the Topsham Road 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 Topsham Road bus lane?
Buses, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy commercial vehicles and cycles are permitted. Not permitted: cars, vans and motorcycles.
Can I appeal a PCN from the Topsham Road 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. This bus lane 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 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.