About this bus lane
Two south-east bound sections, both 7am–7pm Monday to Friday. The Camden side of the A5 has a separate bus lane (see the Camden entry).
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?
Maida Vale (A5, south-east bound), London W9. 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 Maida Vale bus lane?
The Maida Vale Bus Lane in Westminster operates 7am to 7pm, Monday to Friday. Outside these hours, general traffic may use the road normally.
How much is the fine for driving through the Maida Vale 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 Maida Vale 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 Maida Vale 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. The grounds that win here are that your vehicle was not in the bus lane during its operating times (7am–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.