About this bus lane
A new contraflow bus lane introduced 11 August 2025 — one of Manchester's newest enforcement locations.
Contraflow bus lane on Whitworth Street West running through to West Deansgate; enforced 24 hours a day. Open only to buses (9+ passengers), black cabs and pedal cycles — private hire vehicles are not exempt.
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?
Whitworth Street West, contraflow, east to west, Albion Street to Deansgate, Manchester city centre. 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 Whitworth Street West bus lane?
The Whitworth Street West Bus Lane 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 Whitworth Street West 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 Whitworth Street West 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 Whitworth Street West 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. This bus lane 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 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.