About this bus gate
From The County Council of Somerset (Various Roads in the Taunton Deane Area) (Prohibition of Driving) (Bus Gates) Order 2011, in operation 9 January 2012. The Schedule is headed "Prohibition of Driving Except Buses" — unlike the Bridgwater Road gate it does not name pedal cycles, so cyclists may or may not be exempt here.
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
This list may be incomplete. Somerset Council does not publish which vehicles are exempt here, so the above is only what its own material confirms. Other vehicles may also be permitted. The sign at the start of the bus gate names the exemptions and is the legal authority.
Not permitted
- Cars
- Vans
- Lorries
- Motorcycles
- Taxis
- Private hire vehicles
Where exactly is it?
Ilminster Road, Taunton, from its junction with Allington Close running east to its junction with Deane Gate Avenue. 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 Ilminster Road bus gate?
The Ilminster Road Bus Gate 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 Ilminster 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 Ilminster Road bus gate?
Buses are permitted. Somerset Council does not publish a full list of exempt vehicles for this bus gate, so others may also be permitted — the sign at the start of it names the exemptions and is the legal authority. Not permitted: cars, vans, lorries, motorcycles, taxis and private hire vehicles.
Can I appeal a PCN from the Ilminster 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.