About this bus lane
Unusually for a borough lane, motorcycles are permitted here. Westminster's published list of fixed traffic enforcement cameras contains no bus lane cameras; mobile camera units may still enforce moving traffic contraventions.
Hours and permitted vehicles from Transport for London's official London bus lane database (open data, last updated February 2026).
Who can use it
- Buses
- Black cabs (hackney carriages)
- Motorcycles
- Pedal cycles
Not permitted
- Cars
- Vans
- Lorries
- Private hire vehicles
Where exactly is it?
Buckingham Palace Road (northbound), Victoria, London SW1. 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 Buckingham Palace Road bus lane?
The Buckingham Palace Road Bus Lane in Westminster operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is no time of day when general traffic may use it.
How much is the fine for driving through the Buckingham Palace Road bus lane?
Westminster City 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 Buckingham Palace 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 Buckingham Palace Road bus lane?
Yes, and it costs nothing. Make formal representations to Westminster City Council first — the authority that issued the PCN has to consider them before it can enforce the penalty. If Westminster City 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. This bus lane 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 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.