About this bus lane
Runs along the A6 past the University of Salford, 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. This is Salford’s longest-running bus lane camera — enforcement began on 15 August 2014 — and penalties here rose sharply from 362 in 2023/24 to over 3,000 in each of the two years since.
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?
The Crescent (A6), between University Road and Adelphi 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 Crescent bus lane?
The Crescent Bus Lane (University Road to Adelphi 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 Crescent 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 Crescent 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 Crescent 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.