Find out about bus lane enforcement
Bus lane enforcement ensures the free flow of traffic across the town. It is mainly used in areas where there is a traffic congestion issue or a problem with bus lane abuse.
The following vehicles are allowed to use a bus lane:
- Buses
- Licensed taxis and private hire vehicles. Only private hire vehicles that are licensed with us and have purchased a “Bus Lane User” sticker, can use bus lanes in Swindon. This does not include bus gates, as no unauthorised vehicles can use these
- Motorcycles (without sidecars)
- Mopeds and scooters
- Bicycles
- Emergency response vehicles
However, taxis, motorcycles, mopeds and scooters are not permitted to enter a bus gate.
When you can enter a bus lane
You can only enter a bus lane outside the hours of operation or when you are driving a certain type of vehicle (listed above). The times of operation and the type or types of permitted vehicles are clearly indicated on a blue sign located in advance of the bus lane.
Bus gates may be open to all traffic to help traffic flow during major road closures. Signs will be clearly visible to indicate whether the bus gate is open to all traffic.
If no times are indicated or signs in place, you must assume the bus lane is in operation 24 hours a day.
How to recognise a bus lane
Bus lanes are clearly marked with a solid thick white line and the words 'bus lane' painted periodically along the lane. Signs at the start of the lane show the times the bus lane is operational and the vehicles permitted to use it.
For more information on signage and road markings, visit the Highway Code website.
How we enforce bus lanes and bus gates
Cameras will recognise vehicles by using automatic number plate recognition technology, with the registration numbers of exempt vehicles logged within the system.
Unauthorised drivers caught either driving or parking in bus lanes, or driving through bus gates, will receive a fixed penalty charge of £70, with a discount to £35 if paid within 21 days or an increase to £105 if not paid within 28 days.
The following documents provide further information on enforcement:
Bus lane traffic regulation order and locations
The following document provides further information on the location and operating times of bus lanes and bus gates in Swindon:
For more information about the enforcement of bus lanes and bus gates, contact parking@swindon.gov.uk.