About this bus gate
Two separate bus gates on Stafford Street, which the council counts together: one running 30 metres north-west from the Percy Street junction, the other the short link connecting Stafford Street and Quadrant Road. Buses, taxis and pedal cycles may pass through both, at all times; private hire vehicles may not.
Note that other lengths of Stafford Street carry different rules under a separate order — some also admit permit holders, and some allow loading between 5am and 10am and between 5pm and 9pm — so an exemption that applies further along the street does not apply at these two gates. The pair produced 11,486 penalties over five years, per 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 23(a) and 23(b), times of operation "At Anytime", permitted vehicles "Bus and Pedal Cycles And Taxis".
Who can use it
- Buses
- Taxis
- Pedal cycles
Not permitted
- Cars
- Vans
- Lorries
- Motorcycles
- Private hire vehicles
Where exactly is it?
Stafford Street, Hanley — from its junction with Percy Street for 30 metres north-westerly, and the bus lane connecting Stafford Street and Quadrant Road. 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 Stafford Street bus gate?
The Stafford Street Bus Gates (Percy Street and Quadrant Road) 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 Stafford Street bus gate?
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 Stafford Street bus gate?
Buses, taxis and pedal cycles are permitted. Not permitted: cars, vans, lorries, motorcycles and private hire vehicles.
Can I appeal a PCN from the Stafford Street bus gate?
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 gate 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 approach signage did not give enough warning before the point of no return. Note that paying the £35 discounted rate accepts liability and closes the case, so challenge before you pay.