About this bus lane
A contra-flow lane, meaning buses travel against the normal direction of traffic — so a driver turning in can be facing an oncoming bus. It is camera-enforced at all times, with no off-peak window.
Buses, hackney carriages (black cabs), pedal cycles and emergency service vehicles may use it. Private hire vehicles — including app-booked minicabs — are not exempt.
Enforcement began on 21 January 2021. This is the single most penalised bus lane in Salford: 4,575 penalty charge notices in 2025/26 and 6,353 the year before, out of about 12,600 issued across the whole city in 2025/26.
If you are unfamiliar with Salford city centre, this is the one to watch. Location, hours and enforcement start date confirmed by Salford City Council’s response to freedom of information request DCL-OGK881, 10 August 2026.
Salford does not publish a list of its bus lane camera sites, so that response is the source for this lane.
Who can use it
- Buses
- Hackney carriages
- Pedal cycles
- Emergency service vehicles
Not permitted
- Cars
- Vans
- Lorries
- Private hire vehicles
Where exactly is it?
Chapel Street contra-flow bus lane, north-east of Victoria Bridge Street, Salford. View on Google Maps →
Got a PCN from this camera?
Don't panic, and don't ignore it. Pay £30 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 Chapel Street bus lane?
The Chapel Street Contra-flow Bus Lane (Victoria Bridge Street) in Salford 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 Chapel Street bus lane?
Salford City Council issues a Penalty Charge Notice of £60, reduced to £30 if paid within 21 days. There are no penalty points — it is a civil penalty.
Who is allowed to use the Chapel Street bus lane?
Buses, hackney carriages, pedal cycles and emergency service vehicles are permitted. Not permitted: cars, vans, lorries and private hire vehicles.
Can I appeal a PCN from the Chapel Street bus lane?
Yes, and it costs nothing. Make formal representations to Salford City Council first — the authority that issued the PCN has to consider them before it can enforce the penalty. If Salford 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 £30 discounted rate accepts liability and closes the case, so challenge before you pay.