About this bus lane
Operates during morning and evening peaks, Monday to Saturday (note Saturday is included). Confirmed by Manchester City Council FOI/20749 (response 21 July 2026).
All Manchester bus lanes are open only to buses (9+ passengers), black cabs and pedal cycles; private hire vehicles (e.g. Uber) are not exempt.
Who can use it
- Buses
- Black cabs (hackney carriages)
- Pedal cycles
Not permitted
- Cars
- Vans
- Motorcycles
- Private hire vehicles
Where exactly is it?
Fairfield Street, between North Western Street and Travis Street, Manchester. 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 Fairfield Street bus lane?
The Fairfield Street Bus Lane in Manchester operates Monday to Saturday, 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 Fairfield Street bus lane?
Manchester City 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 Fairfield Street bus lane?
Buses, black cabs (hackney carriages) and pedal cycles are permitted. Not permitted: cars, vans, motorcycles and private hire vehicles.
Can I appeal a PCN from the Fairfield Street bus lane?
Yes, and it costs nothing. Make formal representations to Manchester City Council first — the authority that issued the PCN has to consider them before it can enforce the penalty. If Manchester City 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 shown above, 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.