East Anton bus gate, Andover
A short section of road which only buses and authorised vehicles can go through as shown by appropriate signage
Advantages of bus gates are that they increase the reliability of buses and allow services to run into areas avoiding congestion. They also promote the use of public transport by providing a very visual advantage over other vehicles.
Hampshire County Council operates bus gate enforcement using ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) camera technology. The system captures the number plates of vehicles not authorised to be in the bus gates; each individual piece of footage is then reviewed by a trained Civil Enforcement Officer to confirm that a contravention occurred.
If a vehicle is caught on camera driving in the bus gate the registered keeper of the vehicle will be sent a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) through the post. This will contain the details of the alleged contravention, the details of the vehicle and photographic evidence.
The penalty charge for driving in a bus gate is £60. However, if paid within 14 days a discount rate of £30 is offered. Details of how to pay are on the Penalty Charge Notice that is sent to the owner of the vehicle.
Please note: the registered keeper of the vehicle is liable for the Penalty Charge Notice, even if they were not the driver at the time.
Failure to pay the amount outstanding will result in the Council taking action against the registered keeper of the vehicle to recover the amount due.
Bus gates are enforced by the Parking and Traffic Enforcement Team.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Who can drive through a bus gate?
A. Authorised buses on a list of approved vehicles (white list) can drive through a bus gate. The only situations where other vehicles can enter a bus gate is if by doing so will prevent an accident from happening or if directed to do so by the police or a Civil Enforcement Officer.
Q. I have a Blue Badge, can I drive through/park in the bus gate?
A. No. Blue Badge holders are not exempt from bus gate restrictions.
Q. Can emergency service vehicles use the bus gate?
A. Yes, blue light emergency service vehicles can use the bus gate if on the way to or attending an emergency.
Q. What is the penalty for going into a bus gate where prohibited?
A. £60 (reduced to £30 if paid within the first 14 days).
Q. If I get a Penalty Charge Notice for driving through the bus gate how do I pay?
A. Instructions on how to pay will be on the on the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), which will be sent out in the post. Instructions on how to appeal are also on the PCN (if you believe it was issued incorrectly or that there were mitigating circumstances).
Q. If I get a Penalty Charge Notice for driving through the bus gate how can I appeal the fine?
A. Instructions for appealing the fine are available on the Penalty Charge Notice that is sent. Alternatively, appeals can be submitted online.