About this bus gate
One of Manchester's busiest enforcement cameras, on the main bus corridor past Piccadilly Gardens.
Two camera-enforced directions: north-east bound (towards Newton Street) and south-west bound (towards Princess Street), both enforced 24 hours a day since 13 December 2017. Open to buses, black cabs and pedal cycles only; private hire vehicles are not exempt.
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?
Portland Street, Manchester city centre (Piccadilly Gardens side) — enforced in both directions. 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 Portland Street bus gate?
The Portland Street Bus Gate in Manchester operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is no time of day when general traffic may use it.
How much is the fine for driving through the Portland Street 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 Portland Street 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 Portland Street 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. 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 £35 discounted rate accepts liability and closes the case, so challenge before you pay.