Bus lanes
A number of bus lanes across Cambridge have been identified by the bus companies as suffering from delays due to unauthorised vehicles. The bus lane enforcement scheme will make sure that the lanes are kept free to allow bus services to run on time.
Closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras mounted on a pole will record vehicles entering the bus lanes during restricted hours.
If you drive illegally in a bus lane, then you may receive a £70 fine.
The four bus lanes currently being enforced are:
- Elizabeth Way - 24 hours
- Newmarket Road (heading out of town between River Lane and Barnwell Bridge) - 24 hours
- Newmarket Road (heading into town between Barnwell Bridge and River Lane) - 24 hours
- Hills Road (heading into town between Bateman Street and Union Road) - between 7am and 7pm
Permitted vehicles in bus lanes in Cambridge
- Buses
- Coaches
- Any vehicle with more than 8 passenger seats (including Dial-a-Ride)
- Licensed taxis whilst on duty
- Cyclists (not motorcycles / mopeds)
- Emergency vehicles
Bus gates
Bus gate enforcement began in December 2016. Closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras mounted on poles will record vehicles entering the bus gate.
If you drive illegally through a bus gate, you may receive a £70 fine.
All the streets listed below have bus gates:
- Regent Street (heading into the City near Cambridge City Council offices). This bus gate is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Emmanuel Road (heading into and out of the City). This bus gate is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Bridge Street (heading into and out of the City). This bus gate is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Station Road. Please note taxis are not permitted in this bus gate. This bus gate is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Silver Street - This bus gate is in operation 24 hours, 7 days a week
- Worts Causeway - restricted access between 7.30am and 9.30am, Monday to Friday, to give priority to buses during morning peak times. Westbound only.
Permitted vehicles in bus gates in Cambridge
- Local buses
- Licensed taxis whilst on duty (except Station Road)
- Cyclists (not motorcycles / mopeds)
- Emergency vehicles
Taxis & Private Hire vehicles
Licensed taxis/PHVs on duty are permitted to use the Bus Lanes and Gates within Cambridge City (except for Station Road).
If you require your vehicle to be added to our authorised user list, please provide a copy of the following;
- A copy of the valid Certificate of Compliance or;
- A copy of the valid Private Hire License
The document should show the relevant Vehicle Registration Number along with the start date and expiry date.
The Parking Services team will then look to add your vehicle to the authorised user list, so you do not incur any Penalty Charge Notices.
The documents can be sent;
By email to: Parkingservices@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
or
By Post to; Parking Services Team, Cambridgeshire County Council, PO Box 121,Cambridge, CB1 2WW
Mill Road Bus Gate
On Tuesday, 7 March 2023, members of the Highways and Transport committee voted to reinstate the Mill Road bridge closure to all motor vehicles, except buses, cyclists, emergency services, taxis and blue badge holders. Work will now get underway to design and implement the bus gate in the summer, more details will follow.
Please note, the Bus Gate will come into operation in 2024.
Read further information including a list of frequently asked questions on our Mill Road bridge TRO page.
Blue badge holders will be required to provide relevant details such as name, address, blue badge number and appropriate paperwork. They will also be able to register up to a maximum of two vehicles.
The closure will be implemented as a bus gate and blue badge holders will need to register by completing the application form.
We are currently aiming to process applications in 3 days.
If you require an application form via e-mail, please contact parking.control@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
If you require an application form to be sent via the post, please contact Parking Control on 01223 727915 (9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Thursdays and 9.00am to 4.30 pm on Fridays, excluding bank holidays).
Paying the bus lane / gate Penalty Charge Notice
Penalty charges are £70, discounted to £35 if paid within 21 days.
Failure to pay or challenge the issue of a Penalty Charge Notice within 28 days of it being served will result in the charge increasing by 50% to £105.
We will send a Penalty Charge Notice through the post to the vehicle's registered owner within 28 days of the alleged offence taking place.
Ways to pay
You can pay your Penalty Charge Notice online or over the phone. Please have the vehicle registration details and the Penalty Charge Notice number (starting with the letters 'FC') ready.
Alternatively, you can pay over the phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 0345 452 2350.
If paying by cheque or postal order, please make it payable to Cambridgeshire County Council and write the Penalty Charge Notice reference number and your vehicle registration number on the reverse. Do not send cash or make debit/credit card payment by post.
Please note, payments will not be accepted at the Parking Permits desk at Cambridge Central Library.
Disputing a Penalty Charge Notice
You can challenge a Penalty Charge Notice online within 28 days of the date of your letter. Please follow the instructions on the Penalty Charge Notice or use the online form below.
Challenges about Penalty Charge Notices will not be considered at the Parking Permits desk in the Cambridge Central Library.
If you appeal against the Penalty Charge Notice within 21 days after receiving it and if your appeal is rejected, the Council will generally extend the period of 50% discount for payment.
Please note that your case will be placed on hold and will not progress whilst we deal with your representation. We will aim to respond to you in writing within 28 days, but in busy periods this may take longer. The Parking Services team are unable to deal with representations for bus lane / gate fines over the telephone. All representations will need to be submitted in writing.
If the council rejects your challenge, you have the right to appeal to an independent adjudication body, the Traffic Penalty Tribunal. The legal grounds for appeal are included on the Penalty Charge Notice. The Council will send you the appropriate form with the 'Notice of Rejection of Representations'.
