About this bus gate
Europe's busiest bus corridor — general traffic is banned 6am–9pm every day, but allowed overnight.
Europe's busiest bus corridor. General traffic is restricted 6am–9pm every day (permitted overnight, 9pm–6am).
Several camera-enforced sections run along Oxford Road, with the adjoining Oxford Street bus lane on the same corridor. Extents and hours Confirmed by Manchester City Council FOI/20749 (response 21 July 2026).
Who can use it
- Buses
- Black cabs (hackney carriages)
- Pedal cycles
Not permitted
- Cars
- Vans
- Motorcycles
- Private hire vehicles
Where exactly is it?
Oxford Road, Manchester — camera-enforced along the university corridor in several sections: Charles Street to Newman Street, Nelson Street to Hathersage Road, Hathersage Road to Denmark Road, and Burlington Street to Booth Street (northbound). 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 Oxford Road bus gate?
The Oxford Road Bus Gates in Manchester operates 6am to 9pm, every day. Outside these hours, general traffic may use the road normally.
How much is the fine for driving through the Oxford Road bus gate?
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 Oxford Road bus gate?
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 Oxford Road bus gate?
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 gate during its operating times (6am–9pm 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 £35 discounted rate accepts liability and closes the case, so challenge before you pay.