About this bus lane
The hours on this road are in dispute between two of the council's own sources, so treat the lane as operating at all times and follow the roadside signage, which is the legal authority. Wandsworth Council, answering freedom of information request WBC-FOI-14715 on 27 August 2026, named this as one of only two bus lanes in the borough where a Penalty Charge Notice can be issued for driving in the lane, and gave its hours simply as "at any time" without separating the directions.
Transport for London's bus lane dataset (open data, last updated February 2026) instead splits it three ways: southbound 24 hours, south-east bound and north-west bound 7am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm, Monday to Saturday, in each case for buses, black cabs and cycles. The council's answer is the stricter of the two and is the one to drive by.
We have asked it to confirm the per-direction times (WBC-FOI-14966).
Who can use it
- Buses
- Black cabs (hackney carriages)
- Pedal cycles
Not permitted
- Cars
- Vans
- Lorries
- Private hire vehicles
- Motorcycles
Where exactly is it?
Mitcham Road (southbound, south-east bound and north-west bound), Wandsworth, London. 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 Mitcham Road bus lane?
The Mitcham Road Bus Lane in Wandsworth operates disputed — the council says at any time, the TfL dataset says it varies by direction. Outside these hours, general traffic may use the road normally.
How much is the fine for driving through the Mitcham Road bus lane?
Wandsworth 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 Mitcham Road bus lane?
Buses, black cabs (hackney carriages) and pedal cycles are permitted. Not permitted: cars, vans, lorries, private hire vehicles and motorcycles.
Can I appeal a PCN from the Mitcham Road bus lane?
Yes, and it costs nothing. Make formal representations to Wandsworth Council first — the authority that issued the PCN has to consider them before it can enforce the penalty. If Wandsworth 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. Wandsworth Council does not publish this bus lane's operating times centrally, which makes signage the decisive issue: the restriction has to be signed clearly enough to be understood on approach, and unclear signage is a recognised ground of appeal. Note that paying the £80 discounted rate accepts liability and closes the case, so challenge before you pay.