Drivers across the UK are paying out millions in bus lane fines after a survey revealed that one local council has raked in a massive £8m in penalties.
The data which has been collated and published by Compare the Market via a Freedom of Information request found that Manchester City Council’s bus lanes were the most prolific in the UK, with their total number of PCNs outweighing the next four highest finers combined!
Manchester drivers were hit with a total of 388,213 PCNS, generating £8,389,610 in income, compared to the next worst culprit, Glasgow, which had 89,658 PCNs issued.
London would come top of the league overall, however their PCNs are broken down by borough, with Lambeth 41,628 and Ealing 33,713 leading the way.
Bus lane fines remain a contentious issue, with Compare the Market’s survey revealing that four out of 10 parking and bus lane fines are overturned on appeal.
Dan Hutson, head of motor insurance at Compare the Market, said: “It can happen to the best of us, especially if you are driving in an unfamiliar part of a city or town. However, with cameras monitoring the roads more and more, it’s easy to get caught out. With more of us getting back on the roads, in particular for commuting into big cities, it’s important to keep the rules of the road in mind as no-one wants to end up with a fine.
“If you think you’ve received a fine and it’s wrong, you can always contest a penalty charge notice. However, keep in mind that if you don’t pay the fine within 14 days, the rate usually doubles.”
Town/City |
Number of PCNs issued |
Income generated |
Manchester |
388,213 |
£8,389,610 |
Glasgow |
89,658 |
£2,874,720 |
Coventry |
86,414 |
£2,738,309 |
Reading |
71,693 |
£2,176,309 |
Nottingham |
74,275 |
£2,122,118 |
Birmingham |
70,430 |
£2,065,736 |
Cardiff |
76,651 |
£1,856,146 |
Brighton & Hove |
75,029 |
£1,846,643 |
Bristol |
64,035 |
£1,822,046 |
Cambridge |
74,224 |
£1,821,213 |