About this bus lane
The restriction applies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea confirmed in response to freedom of information request 22553713, 31 July 2026, that it does not undertake bus lane enforcement and does not issue penalty charge notices for bus lane contraventions.
The restriction still applies: the traffic order remains in force, the signs are legally binding, and the Metropolitan Police keep their own powers to enforce a failure to comply with a traffic sign.
Hours and permitted vehicles are from Transport for London's official London bus lane database (open data, last updated February 2026), which records both of these as borough roads rather than red routes — so Transport for London does not enforce them either.
Who can use it
- Buses
- Black cabs (hackney carriages)
- Motorcycles
- Pedal cycles
Not permitted
- Cars
- Vans
- Lorries
- Private hire vehicles
Where exactly is it?
Chelsea Bridge (northbound), Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, London. Open the exact location in Google Maps → Pin from Transport for London's own bus lane dataset.
Can you be fined here?
Not by Kensington & Chelsea Council. It has confirmed that it does not carry out bus lane enforcement and issues no Penalty Charge Notices for bus lane contraventions. That does not make the restriction optional — the traffic order is in force, the roadside sign is legally binding, and the police retain their own power to act against a driver who ignores it. If you have received a bus lane PCN naming this location, check who issued it: our appeal guide explains how to challenge one.
Frequently asked questions
What are the operating times of the Chelsea Bridge bus lane?
The Chelsea Bridge Bus Lane in Kensington & Chelsea operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is no time of day when general traffic may use it.
Can I be fined for driving through the Chelsea Bridge bus lane?
Not by the council. Kensington & Chelsea Council states that it does not carry out bus lane enforcement and issues no Penalty Charge Notices for bus lane contraventions, so there is no civil penalty here. That is not permission to drive through it: the traffic order remains in force, the sign is legally binding, and the police keep their own power to prosecute a driver who fails to comply with a traffic sign.
Who is allowed to use the Chelsea Bridge bus lane?
Buses, black cabs (hackney carriages), motorcycles and pedal cycles are permitted. Not permitted: cars, vans, lorries and private hire vehicles.
Who enforces the Chelsea Bridge bus lane?
Not the council. Kensington & Chelsea Council has confirmed it does not undertake bus lane enforcement here, so no penalty charge notice is issued. That leaves enforcement to the police, who can act against a driver who fails to comply with the traffic sign.