About this bus only street
Tithebarn Street is a bus-only street running south from Old Vicarage to Lord Street. Buses, pedal cycles and hackney carriage taxis may use it at any time; ordinary cars, vans and lorries may not.
Private hire vehicles are not covered by the taxi exemption — the Order defines a taxi as a vehicle licensed under the Town Police Clauses Act 1847, which is a hackney carriage. Emergency vehicles on duty, Royal Mail collections and deliveries, and vehicles carrying out works on the street are separately exempt.
Enforcement here is currently suspended: Lancashire County Council confirmed in August 2026 that Tithebarn Street is the one Preston site whose camera is switched off, because the street forms part of a diversion route for the city centre works. The council says a suspended bus gate is clearly signed on site, so read the signs — the suspension is temporary and the restriction returns when the works finish.
Lancashire County Council enforces its bus lanes with static ANPR cameras and charges £70, halved to £35 if paid within 21 days and rising to £105 once a charge certificate is served. The current suspension is from Lancashire County Council's response to freedom of information request FOI1248, 24 August 2026.
Transcribed from the Lancashire County Council (Bus Station Southern Access, Lord Street and Tithebarn Street, Preston, Preston City) (Revocation, Bus Only Street and Bus Gate) Order 2021, Article 4 and Schedule 3(a), in force 22 February 2021.
Who can use it
- Buses
- Pedal cycles
- Hackney carriage taxis
- Authorised vehicles
Not permitted
- Cars
- Vans
- Lorries
- Motorcycles
- Private hire vehicles (minicabs)
Where exactly is it?
Tithebarn Street southbound, between Old Vicarage and Lord Street, Preston. 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 Tithebarn Street bus only street?
The Tithebarn Street Bus Only Street in Preston 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 Tithebarn Street bus only street?
Lancashire County 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 Tithebarn Street bus only street?
Buses, pedal cycles, hackney carriage taxis and authorised vehicles are permitted. Not permitted: cars, vans, lorries, motorcycles and private hire vehicles (minicabs).
Can I appeal a PCN from the Tithebarn Street bus only street?
Yes, and it costs nothing. Make formal representations to Lancashire County Council first — the authority that issued the PCN has to consider them before it can enforce the penalty. If Lancashire County 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 only street 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.