About this bus gate
One of London's highest-earning bus gates — reported to have brought in £4.3m in fines in under two years after opening in 2020. Kept in place after a 2023 consultation showed exceptional local support, while most other Tower Hamlets Liveable Streets restrictions were removed.
ANPR-enforced. Buses and cycles only during operating hours — there are no exemptions for residents or taxis (limited permits exist for certain local needs via the council).
Outside the restricted hours all traffic may pass.
Who can use it
- Buses
- Pedal cycles
Not permitted
- Cars
- Vans
- Lorries
- Taxis and private hire vehicles
- Motorcycles
Where exactly is it?
Wapping High Street between Sampson Street and Knighten Street, London E1W. View on Google Maps →
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 Wapping High Street bus gate?
The Wapping Bus Gate in Tower Hamlets operates 5:30am to 10:30am and 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 Wapping High Street bus gate?
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 Wapping High Street bus gate?
Buses and pedal cycles are permitted. Not permitted: cars, vans, lorries, taxis and private hire vehicles and motorcycles.
Can I appeal a PCN from the Wapping High Street bus gate?
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 gate during its operating times shown above, that it was an exempt vehicle, or that the approach signage did not give enough warning before the point of no return. Note that paying the £80 discounted rate accepts liability and closes the case, so challenge before you pay.