The 2020 change: red route bus lanes went 24/7
From 13 September 2020, Transport for London made bus lanes on its red route network operate at all times, seven days a week. Before that, many operated only at peak hours. If you learned to drive in London before 2020, your mental map of "the bus lane is fine after 7pm" may now be wrong — and the cameras don't forgive.
Red routes vs borough roads
- Red routes (TfL): the major arteries, marked with red kerb lines. Bus lanes generally operate 24/7. Penalty: £160 (£80 within 14 days).
- Borough roads: everything else, run by the 32 boroughs plus the City of London. Operating hours vary — commonly 7am–7pm Monday–Saturday, but every lane is signed individually. Penalty: typically £130 (£65 within 14 days).
Reading the sign
Every bus lane's sign shows the permitted vehicles (bus, cycle, taxi, sometimes motorcycle) and its hours. If no hours are shown, it operates 24 hours. "Taxi" means licensed black cabs — private hire vehicles are not included on red routes.
Who enforces it?
TfL enforces red routes; boroughs enforce their own roads. Both use ANPR cameras. Appeals go to London Tribunals (Environment and Traffic Adjudicators) after representations are rejected — see our appeal guide.
Frequently asked questions
Are all London bus lanes 24 hours?
No, but bus lanes on TfL red routes (the busiest roads, marked with red lines) have operated at all times since September 2020. Borough-run bus lanes still vary — always check the sign.
How much is a bus lane fine in London?
On TfL red routes the penalty is £160, reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days. Borough-issued bus lane PCNs are typically £130/£65.
How do I know if a road is a red route?
Red routes have single or double red lines along the kerb instead of yellow lines, and signs marked "Red Route". They make up about 5% of London’s roads but carry around 30% of its traffic.