Bus lanes and bus corridors
Find out where our bus lanes and corridors are, who can use them, and what to do if you receive a fine for being in a bus lane.
Each year around 45 million trips are taken by people travelling around the city on buses. Bus services are a fundamental part of the city's transport system and we need to ensure that bus lanes and corridors are free from unauthorised vehicles so that buses can provide a reliable, efficient and attractive service to the city's residents and visitors.
Bus lanes are lanes for buses and taxis only. These run alongside general traffic lanes. Most bus lanes are also open to cyclists, and some are open to motorcyclists.
Bus corridors are roads which are for buses, taxis and cyclist only. These are monitored every day. We can issue a Bus Lane Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) and the police are able to issue penalties on the spot.
How to tell when a bus lane or corridor starts
When you approach a bus lane or corridor you will see signposts and markings on the road.
It is your responsibility as a motorist to ensure that you have checked the signage and taken the appropriate action to avoid entering restricted areas.
How to access areas in central Brighton
All areas of the city are accessible without entering the bus lanes.
There are a number of alternative although less direct routes across the city that avoid the bus lanes and you must use these unless in an emergency or you have an exemption.
Here are some details about alternative routes across the city.
Bus corridor map
Our bus corridor map (PDF 768kb) shows which areas of the city centre are restricted to buses, cycles and taxis.
Restrictions are clearly marked at the entrance of the bus corridors which are in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week unless indicated. If you enter the bus corridor during these times, you may be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice.
Who can use the bus corridors and lanes
Buses, taxis and cycles can use the bus corridors in the city.
This scheme was introduced in 2003 to improve the traffic management in the city giving priority to buses, taxis and cycles. Blue Badge holders are not permitted to use the bus corridors, motorcycles can only use the two routes described below.
Bus lanes are open to buses and taxis. Cyclists can also use most of the bus lanes. Some central city bus lanes and corridors do not permit cycling but you will be able to use the road or off road cycle routes at these points. Look for the signs at the entrance to the bus lane.
Motorcycles
There were trials for motorcycles in bus lanes on the:
- A259 between Telscombe Cliffs way and Ovingdean Roundabout
- A23 between Carden Ave and Preston Drove
- A270 Lewes Road from the Vogue Gyratory to Stony Mere Way
After the trials both lanes on these routes were open to motorcycles on an ongoing basis.
Find out more about the trials for motorcycles in bus lanes.
Other bus lanes in Brighton & Hove
There are other bus lanes in Brighton & Hove for example on London Road and the A259. These will be clear to see as they have signs and road markings to let you know where they start and end.
The police enforce these bus lanes and may issue a Fixed Penalty Notice.
What to do if you receive a fine when using a bus lane
If you receive a fine, in the form of a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) you can either pay it, or appeal it. Find out how to:
You can view any photographs taken by the Civil Enforcement Office or CCTV prior to deciding whether you want to pay or challenge the Penalty Charge Notice. Photographs can be viewed 24 hours after the ticket has been issued.