Bus Lane PCN Appeal Letter Template

Did you receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) for a bus lane offence and feel unsure about how to handle it?

You’ve come to the right place! Every month, more than 130,000 people visit our website seeking guidance on fines and parking tickets.

In this guide, we’ll explain:

What a bus lane PCN is, and why you might have received one.
If you must pay it straight away.
How to challenge the charge by using a bus lane appeal letter template.
Cases where you might not have to pay the fine.
What could happen if you decide not to pay.

We understand that receiving a PCN can be both annoying and puzzling, but you’re not alone. In fact, Churchill Motor Insurance reports that in 2022, UK councils issued an average of 19,631 daily parking fines, a 12% increase from the previous year.¹

Don’t worry! With our expertise, we’ll help you figure things out.

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Why Did You Get One?

You are not allowed to drive in a bus lane, except in certain situations (which I will explain later).

You can find all of the rules related to bus lanes in the highway code.²

However, it is very easy to make a mistake, and drive in a bus lane without intending to, which could result in a bus lane fine in the form of a PCN.

Below are some examples of the mistakes that could lead to such a PCN being issued because you:

Thought you could use the bus lane when turning left.
Believed that if the bus lane was empty, you could use it.
Inadvertently swerved into the bus lane for a short distance.
Used the bus lane to turn left at a junction, as there was not enough room on the road.
Were lost and concentrating on reading road signs, and you mistakenly entered the bus lane.
Failed to see the signs denoting a bus lane.

How much is it?

In Greater London, a bus lane fine will set you back £160 but if you pay in within 14 days, the authority reduces it by 50% to £80.

But if you don’t pay the fine within 28 days, the fine increases to £240.

Outside London, a bus lane fine is £60 reduced to £30 if you settle it early within 14 days.

However, if you miss the 28 day deadline to pay, the fine increases to £90.

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Check the right challenge process

Check whether you need to make an informal challenge, formal representations or an independent tribunal appeal. Follow the route and deadline printed on your notice. London cases generally go to London Tribunals; relevant cases in England outside London and Wales go to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal. Other UK jurisdictions have different procedures.

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General information. The procedure depends on the notice and jurisdiction. Check the issuer’s instructions.

Do You Need To Pay?

In general, you will either need to pay the penalty charge or appeal against it and have it overturned.

You have 28-days from the date that the PCN was issued to make payment in full, you likely won’t be able to pay in instalments.

Local authorities offer a quick settlement incentive of 50% off the penalty charge if you pay in the first 14 days.

If you don’t pay within the 28-day period, you will be sent a charge certificate from the local court, demanding that you pay the penalty charge within 14-days.

There is no early settlement incentive available at this point and the fine increases by 50%.

Can I Challenge It?

You can appeal against a bus lane penalty charge.

It doesn’t matter how long after the offence the PCN was sent, you have 28-days from the date of issue to lodge your appeal.

Generally, you will have to appeal in writing (although some local authorities let you appeal online).

Here’s a quick table that will help you better understand how to appeal your bus lane PCN. For more information on PCNs, be sure to read our specialized guide.

When	Action
On receiving a council PCN	Read the notice, keep it, gather evidence and note all payment and challenge deadlines.
Windscreen or handed-to-driver PCN	An informal challenge may be available before the Notice to Owner. Early challenge can preserve a discount under the authority’s policy; 14 days is not a universal final appeal deadline.
Postal PCN or Notice to Owner	Normally make formal representations within 28 days as stated on the notice. Do not assume there is an extra informal stage.
Representations rejected	The Notice of Rejection explains how to appeal to the appropriate independent tribunal, normally within 28 days.
Appeal unsuccessful	Pay by the deadline given in the decision or obtain advice on any available review. Further statutory charges can follow if you do neither.
Other ticket type	Private parking charges and FPNs use different procedures; follow the actual notice.

Further guidance: Traffic Penalty Tribunal; Citizens Advice.

Remember that once you have made your informal appeal, the council will generally reply within 28-days advising you that:

You won the appeal.
You lost the appeal.
The council wants you to provide additional evidence.

You can find some good examples of bus lane appeal letter templates online, which includes my appeal template.

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How Can a Letter Help?

The letter you send as part of the appeal is important.

The structure of it needs to present the facts in the best light. And the content of it needs to explain very clearly why the PCN should be overturned.

These kinds of templates have been refined over time to find the most effective format.

And as such, are the perfect starting point for your own appeal.

Getting More Help and Advice

You can try searching online and doing some research to find out how others have used a bus lane appeal letter template successfully.

Use this information to shape your own appeal.

Before using a paid legal information service

A paid service is optional. Gather your notice and evidence, check the deadline and decide whether you need professional advice about your circumstances.

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