About this bus lane
This restriction applies at all times — there is no off-peak period when other traffic may use it. Buses, cyclists and Southampton-licensed taxis and private hire vehicles may use it; motorcycles may not.
A taxi or private hire vehicle licensed by another council may only use it on weekdays between 7am and 9:30am and between 4pm and 6:30pm, and only if the vehicle is new enough to meet the council’s emission standards — an out-of-area taxi outside those conditions risks a penalty even though the sign says taxis are allowed.
The site is two Schedule 1 sections on Shirley Road, recorded as a bus lane whose Restricted Hours column reads "All". Southampton City Council confirmed under freedom of information that camera enforcement began here in July 2016.
The enforcement start date is transcribed from Southampton City Council's freedom of information follow-up response of 20 August 2026, under reference SCC-107517.
Transcribed from the City of Southampton (Bus Lanes, Bus-only Streets and Bus Gates) Order 2021 (sealed 4 August 2021, in operation 1 September 2021, revoking the 2017 Order in its entirety), whose Schedule A defines an Authorised Vehicle as a Southampton-licensed hackney carriage or private hire vehicle, an out-of-area taxi or private hire vehicle only on weekdays between 7am and 9:30am and 4pm and 6:30pm and only if it meets the stated emission-standard registration dates, or an approved home-to-school vehicle adapted to carry disabled passengers (tro.trafficpenaltytribunal.gov.uk/TRO/Southampton/Bus-Lane-2021-current-order.pdf).
Who can use it
- Buses
- Pedal cycles
- Taxis (hackney carriages)
- Private hire vehicles
Not permitted
- Cars
- Vans
- Lorries
- Motorcycles
Where exactly is it?
Shirley Road (A3057), SO15 3HR — camera-enforced inbound bus lane, live since 27 June 2016. 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 Shirley Road bus lane?
The Shirley Road Bus Lane in Southampton operates at any time. Outside these hours, general traffic may use the road normally.
How much is the fine for driving through the Shirley Road bus lane?
Southampton 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 Shirley Road bus lane?
Buses, pedal cycles, taxis (hackney carriages) and private hire vehicles are permitted. Not permitted: cars, vans, lorries and motorcycles.
Can I appeal a PCN from the Shirley Road bus lane?
Yes, and it costs nothing. Make formal representations to Southampton City Council first — the authority that issued the PCN has to consider them before it can enforce the penalty. If Southampton 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. The grounds that win here are that your vehicle was not in the bus lane during its operating times (24/7), that it was an exempt vehicle, 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.