About this bus lane
Hours and permitted vehicles from Transport for London's official London bus lane database (open data, last updated February 2026). Tower Hamlets enforces bus lanes by CCTV; PCNs are issued by post.
Who can use it
- Buses
- Black cabs (hackney carriages)
- Motorcycles
- Pedal cycles
Not permitted
- Cars
- Vans
- Lorries
- Private hire vehicles
Where exactly is it?
Preston's Road (northbound), Isle of Dogs, London E14. Open the exact location in Google Maps → Pin from Transport for London's own bus lane dataset.
Got a PCN from this camera?
Don't panic, and don't ignore it. Pay £80 within 14 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 Preston's Road bus lane?
The Preston's Road Bus Lane in Tower Hamlets operates 4pm to 7pm, Monday to Friday. Outside these hours, general traffic may use the road normally.
How much is the fine for driving through the Preston's Road bus lane?
Tower Hamlets Council issues a Penalty Charge Notice of £160, reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days. There are no penalty points — it is a civil penalty.
Who is allowed to use the Preston's Road bus lane?
Buses, black cabs (hackney carriages), motorcycles and pedal cycles are permitted. Not permitted: cars, vans, lorries and private hire vehicles.
Can I appeal a PCN from the Preston's Road bus lane?
Yes, and it costs nothing. Make formal representations to Tower Hamlets Council first — the authority that issued the PCN has to consider them before it can enforce the penalty. If Tower Hamlets Council rejects them it must issue a Notice of Rejection, and you can then appeal free to the Environment and Traffic Adjudicators at London Tribunals. Its adjudicators are lawyers independent of the enforcing authority, and their decision is binding on both sides. The grounds that win here are that your vehicle was not in the bus lane during its operating times (4–7pm Mon–Fri), that it was an exempt vehicle, or that the signage did not make the restriction clear. Note that paying the £80 discounted rate accepts liability and closes the case, so challenge before you pay.