About this bus lane
A bus lane that operates at all times. Buses, pedal cycles and licensed taxis may use it; cars, vans, lorries and motorcycles may not.
The taxi exemption is for hackney carriages licensed under section 37 of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 — the order does not name private hire vehicles, so a minicab is not covered. It is watched by a camera and is one of the busiest enforcement points in the city despite being one of the newest — 2,806 penalties in its first fifteen months.
The restriction was created by the Derriford Commercial Centre South order and took effect on 6 January 2025. It is not listed on the council’s published bus lane pages, which have not been updated to include it.
Transcribed from Plymouth City Council’s response to freedom of information request FS-Case-864991677, answered on 4 September 2026, which names the order as The City of Plymouth (Traffic Movement and Speed Limit Regulations)(Amendment Order No. 2024.2137330 – Derriford Commercial Centre South) Order 2024, in effect from 6 January 2025, and gives the permitted classes as buses, cycles and taxis licensed under section 37 of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847.
Who can use it
- Buses
- Taxis (hackney carriages)
- Pedal cycles
Not permitted
- Cars
- Vans
- Lorries
- Motorcycles
- Private hire vehicles
Where exactly is it?
Bravo Way, Derriford Commercial Centre South, Plymouth. 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 Bravo Way bus lane?
The Bravo Way Bus Lane in Plymouth 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 Bravo Way bus lane?
Plymouth 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 Bravo Way bus lane?
Buses, taxis (hackney carriages) and pedal cycles are permitted. Not permitted: cars, vans, lorries, motorcycles and private hire vehicles.
Can I appeal a PCN from the Bravo Way bus lane?
Yes, and it costs nothing. Make formal representations to Plymouth City Council first — the authority that issued the PCN has to consider them before it can enforce the penalty. If Plymouth 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.