About this bus gate
Camera-enforced restricted route on London Road at St Marks Road, in force at any time. Only buses and cycles may pass — unlike the bus lanes elsewhere in Merton, black cabs and motorcycles are not exempt here.
The contravention code is 33H. Merton's published camera list names a restricted route on London Road but gives no hours or permitted vehicles; both were confirmed in the council's freedom of information response.
Data from the London Borough of Merton's published camera-enforcement location list and its response to freedom of information request F737, 28 July 2026. The London Borough of Merton enforces its bus lanes and moving-traffic restrictions using ANPR/CCTV cameras that record 24 hours a day.
Who can use it
- Buses
- Pedal cycles
Not permitted
- Cars
- Vans
- Lorries
- Motorcycles
- Taxis and private hire vehicles
Where exactly is it?
London Road, Mitcham (at St Marks Road), Merton, London. View on Google Maps →
Got a PCN from this camera?
Don't panic, and don't ignore it. Pay £80 within 14 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 London Road bus gate?
The London Road (Mitcham) Restricted Route in Merton operates at any time. There is no time of day when general traffic may use it.
How much is the fine for driving through the London Road bus gate?
London Borough of Merton issues a Penalty Charge Notice of £160, reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days. There are no penalty points — it is a civil penalty.
Who is allowed to use the London Road bus gate?
Buses and pedal cycles are permitted. Not permitted: cars, vans, lorries, motorcycles and taxis and private hire vehicles.
Can I appeal a PCN from the London Road bus gate?
Yes, and it costs nothing. Make formal representations to London Borough of Merton first — the authority that issued the PCN has to consider them before it can enforce the penalty. If London Borough of Merton rejects them it must issue a Notice of Rejection, and you can then appeal free to the Environment and Traffic Adjudicators at London Tribunals. 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. It is worth doing: London Borough of Merton accepted 15% of the 1,231 formal challenges it received in 2025/26, and of the 31 that went on to the tribunal, 2 succeeded (figures from its own FOI response). Note that paying the £80 discounted rate accepts liability and closes the case, so challenge before you pay.