About this bus gate
The best-documented of Somerset's bus gates. It has existed since 2005, when Silk Mills bridge and the park and ride were built, to stop Mountway Road being used as a rat run between Gypsy Lane and Silk Mills Road.
It was originally enforced by rising bollards triggered by transponders on buses and emergency vehicles; those were repeatedly damaged by drivers trying to follow buses through and became unrepairable, so the council re-made the order in 2012 to switch to ANPR camera enforcement and move enforcement from the police to the council.
The Traffic Regulation Order Sub-Committee report records the gate as permitting buses, cyclists and emergency vehicles, and as a full-time restriction. 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
- Emergency vehicles
Not permitted
- Cars
- Vans
- Lorries
- Motorcycles
- Taxis
- Private hire vehicles
Where exactly is it?
Mountway Road, Bishops Hull, Taunton, from its junction with Gipsy Lane running west for 10 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 Mountway Road bus gate?
The Mountway 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 Mountway 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 Mountway Road bus gate?
Buses, pedal cycles and emergency vehicles are permitted. Not permitted: cars, vans, lorries, motorcycles, taxis and private hire vehicles.
Can I appeal a PCN from the Mountway 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.