PCN code 33: Using a route restricted to certain vehicles

Code

33

Type

Moving traffic

Level

Moving traffic

Who uses it

Councils with moving traffic powers (most of London, and English councils designated since 2022), and Welsh councils where enforced.

What the council's evidence usually is

Camera footage of the vehicle passing the restriction.

Points to check before you pay

• Bus gates are often missed because the signs are small or come too late to turn away; check whether there was an advance warning sign.
• Check the hours on the sign: many bus gates only apply at peak times.
• Outside London: first time at a camera in its first 6 months should get a warning.

If one of these applies, the usual statutory ground is that the contravention did not occur. Other grounds (not the owner, stolen vehicle, already paid, wrong amount, procedural impropriety) apply whatever the code. The checker shows which fit your case.

How much is a code 33 PCN?

In London bus lane and moving traffic PCNs are £160, halved if paid within the discount period on the PCN (London Councils says 21 days for CCTV PCNs; some boroughs state 14) (London Councils). Outside London councils set the charge within the national bands, and the discount is 50% if paid within 21 days of a camera PCN being served (SI 2022/71).

Cameras using code 33

• Albatross Way / Needleman Street cycle route (Southwark)
• Albatross Way / Swan Lane cycle route (Southwark)
• Avonvale Road bus gate (Marsh Lane to Hanover Street) (Bristol)
• Baldwin Street / Broad Quay bus gate (Bristol)
• Baldwin Street / High Street bus gate (Bristol)
• Baldwin Street / Marsh Street bus gate (Bristol)
• Bath Road / Park and Ride bus gate (Bristol)
• Bath Road / Wells Road bus gate (Bristol)
• Bridge Street bus gate (Left Bank to Albert Bridge, westbound) (Manchester)
• Broad Quay bus gate (bus lane 1A) (Bristol)
• Broadmead / Union Street bus gate (Bristol)
• Bull Lane N18 bus gate (Enfield)

Questions