About this bus gate
Corrected 2026-08-09: confirmed against The Islington (Moving Traffic Restrictions) Traffic Order (No. 8) 2026, made 18 June 2026 and in force from 19 June — the current, live legal instrument. It restricts entry into Corporation Row from Clerkenwell Close, Northampton Road and Woodbridge Street at all times, with the exception limited to pedal cycles and "authorised vehicles" — a term this Order defines as individually permitted by the council, case-by-case, at its discretion, NOT a blanket bus exemption.
The scheme was originally built to let route 812 buses through to The Peel on Northampton Road, but that route ended in August 2022, so ordinary bus services are not automatically exempt today unless individually authorised. This corrects the earlier assumption that "local buses" are generally permitted here.
Blue Badge holders can apply for an exemption separately.
Who can use it
- Pedal cycles
- Individually authorised vehicles (council permit, case-by-case)
Not permitted
- Cars
- Vans
- Lorries
- Taxis and private hire vehicles
- Motorcycles
- Buses (unless individually authorised)
Where exactly is it?
Corporation Row (both ends), Clerkenwell Green area, London EC1. 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 Corporation Row bus gate?
The Corporation Row Bus Gate in Islington operates 24 hours a day, every day. There is no time of day when general traffic may use it.
How much is the fine for driving through the Corporation Row bus gate?
Islington 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 Corporation Row bus gate?
Pedal cycles and individually authorised vehicles (council permit, case-by-case) are permitted. Not permitted: cars, vans, lorries, taxis and private hire vehicles, motorcycles and buses (unless individually authorised).
Can I appeal a PCN from the Corporation Row bus gate?
Yes, and it costs nothing. Make formal representations to Islington Council first — the authority that issued the PCN has to consider them before it can enforce the penalty. If Islington 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. 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.