About this bus lane
A short bus lane in the right-hand turning lane where Bethesda Street meets Potteries Way, running south-east. Buses and pedal cycles only — taxis are not exempt here, unlike some of the Stafford Street lanes a few hundred metres away.
The restriction applies at all times, so there is no off-peak window. Camera enforcement across the city began in October 2010, confirmed by Stoke-on-Trent City Council FOI SOT-147931 (response 18 August 2026).
Transcribed from the City of Stoke-on-Trent (Traffic Regulation) (Bus Lanes) (No. 52) Consolidation Order 2010, First Schedule item 2, which gives the times of operation as "At anytime" and the type of permitted vehicle as "Bus and Pedal Cycles".
Who can use it
- Buses
- Pedal cycles
Not permitted
- Cars
- Vans
- Lorries
- Motorcycles
- Taxis
- Private hire vehicles
Where exactly is it?
Bethesda Street at its junction with Potteries Way, in the right-hand turning lane from Bethesda Street onto Potteries Way, Hanley. 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 Bethesda Street bus lane?
The Bethesda Street Bus Lane (Potteries Way turn) in Stoke-on-Trent operates 24 hours a day, every day. There is no time of day when general traffic may use it.
How much is the fine for driving through the Bethesda Street bus lane?
Stoke-on-Trent 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 Bethesda Street bus lane?
Buses and pedal cycles are permitted. Not permitted: cars, vans, lorries, motorcycles, taxis and private hire vehicles.
Can I appeal a PCN from the Bethesda Street bus lane?
Yes, and it costs nothing. Make formal representations to Stoke-on-Trent City Council first — the authority that issued the PCN has to consider them before it can enforce the penalty. If Stoke-on-Trent 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.