About this bus gate
From the Somerset County Council (Bridgwater Road, Bathpool) (Prohibition of Driving) (Bus Gate) Order 2016, which came into operation on 10 August 2017. Applies to BOTH carriageways.
This is the one Somerset gate whose Schedule explicitly reads "Prohibition of Driving Except Buses and Pedal Cycles", so cyclists are clearly permitted. The order gives its reason as avoiding danger to road users.
Somerset Council publishes no list of its bus gates, so we cannot confirm from a council source whether this one is currently camera-enforced or what the full exemption list is — an FOI has been sent. Obey roadside signage.
Who can use it
- Buses
- Pedal cycles
Not permitted
- Cars
- Vans
- Lorries
- Motorcycles
- Taxis
- Private hire vehicles
Where exactly is it?
Bridgwater Road, Bathpool, near Taunton, both carriageways, from its junction with Milton Hill running north-east for 50 metres. 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 Bridgwater Road bus gate?
The Bridgwater Road Bus Gate (Bathpool) in Taunton operates at all times. There is no time of day when general traffic may use it.
How much is the fine for driving through the Bridgwater Road bus gate?
Somerset 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 Bridgwater Road bus gate?
Buses and pedal cycles are permitted. Not permitted: cars, vans, lorries, motorcycles, taxis and private hire vehicles.
Can I appeal a PCN from the Bridgwater Road bus gate?
Yes, and it costs nothing. Make formal representations to Somerset Council first — the authority that issued the PCN has to consider them before it can enforce the penalty. If Somerset 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.