About this bus gate
One of Hackney's best-known bus gates — introduced in September 2021, it splits Stoke Newington into low-traffic areas north and south of Church Street and catches large numbers of drivers using the street as a through route.
Hackney Council's dedicated Stoke Newington low traffic neighbourhood page confirms this bus gate operates 7am to 7pm every day (not 24 hours, correcting the earlier hedge), permitting only buses, cyclists, pedestrians and emergency vehicles between those times. The council made the scheme permanent after a 2021-22 trial and review.
Hackney Blue Badge holders can apply to exempt one vehicle from the restriction. Most Hackney LTN filters are camera-enforced.
Who can use it
- Buses
- Pedal cycles
Not permitted
- Cars
- Vans
- Lorries
- Taxis and private hire vehicles
- Motorcycles
Where exactly is it?
Stoke Newington Church Street bus gate, Hackney, London N16. 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 Stoke Newington Church Street bus gate?
The Stoke Newington Church Street Bus Gate in Hackney operates 7am to 7pm, every day. Outside these hours, general traffic may use the road normally.
How much is the fine for driving through the Stoke Newington Church Street bus gate?
Hackney Council 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 Stoke Newington Church Street bus gate?
Buses and pedal cycles are permitted. Not permitted: cars, vans, lorries, taxis and private hire vehicles and motorcycles.
Can I appeal a PCN from the Stoke Newington Church Street bus gate?
Yes, and it costs nothing. Make formal representations to Hackney Council first — the authority that issued the PCN has to consider them before it can enforce the penalty. If Hackney Council 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. The grounds that win here are that your vehicle was not in the bus gate during its operating times (7am–7pm daily), that it was an exempt vehicle, 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.