Council bus lane fines jump 59% in three years

The number of motorists being fined for driving through bus lanes in Coventry has increased by 59% in three years.

Coventry City Council issued more than 134,000 fines between January 2023 and December 2025, raising almost £3.5m in revenue, according to figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by the car retailer cinch.

"Bus lanes are designed to keep traffic moving in busy city centres, but they can easily catch drivers out if they're unfamiliar with the road layout or miss signage," Ben Welham, motoring expert at cinch said.

Coventry City Council said the bus gate was introduced in July 2023 to reduce congestion and encourage drivers to follow regulations.

A breakdown showed that in 2023 there were 32,874 penalty charge notices (PCN) issued, which generated a revenue of £1,054,466.

In 2024, the authority handed out 48,459 PCNs a 47% increase on the previous year, raising £1,289,601.

In 2025, 52,556 PCNs were given, generating £1,136,693 for the authority.

According to the data, Hales Street junction with Burges recorded the highest number of penalties over the three-year period.

"Motorists can often accidentally enter a bus lane when following sat nav directions or when traffic suddenly merges near junctions," Welham added.

The council said Coventry introduced camera enforcement in 2011 and currently enforces seven bus gates, where access is restricted to buses, taxis, and other authorised vehicles.

"The Hales St/Burges bus gate was introduced in July 2023 to reduce congestion, improve local air quality and support faster, more reliable bus services," the spokesperson added.

"The restrictions are clearly signed on the streets and approach roads and we encourage all drivers to comply with the regulations.

"Drivers who receive a penalty charge for using the bus gate may appeal to an independent adjudication service."

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