TfL Code 34 PCN Appeal: Bus Lane (2026)

1. What does TfL Code 34 mean?

TfL Code 34 alleges being in a bus lane when the restriction applied to your vehicle. The lane's hours and permitted vehicle classes are location-specific, including where the sign states that the restriction operates at all times.

Contravention

Code 34: being in a bus lane

Issuing authority

Transport for London

Formal representation deadline

28 days beginning with service of the Enforcement Notice.

Appeal route

TfL, then London Tribunals after a formal Notice of Rejection.

Penalty and discount

£160, reduced by 50% to £80 during the applicable discount period.

Appealing during the discount

TfL pauses the discount period when it receives your representation within that period. If rejected, the remaining discount period resumes from the point it was paused.

2. What must TfL establish?

Check the approach sign, the lane's start, road markings and any end sign. Read the hours and permitted vehicle symbols together. Photograph the approach a driver actually used, not only the camera's view of the lane.

• An operative traffic order: obtain the article, schedule or map defining the bus lane, its hours, vehicle classes and exceptions, together with relevant amendments.
• An adequately signed approach: check the advance sign and lane sign actually available on the route taken, including after a side-road entry. The manual recommends placing 959B near the start of the continuous line and repeating it after side junctions; its layout guidance is not a universal two-sign requirement.
• A visible lane boundary: compare the continuous line, lead-in, junction break and lane end with the exact vehicle path. Photograph missing or badly worn stretches in context, not only a close-up of one defect.
• Readable signs at the time: identify obstruction by other signs, foliage or vehicles, and unreadable operating hours. The relevant upright signs may be illuminated or reflectorised; absence of a dedicated lamp alone does not establish a defect.
• Reliable camera evidence: the complete recording must identify the vehicle, time and lane use. In London, the recording's admissibility also depends on the 1996 Act's device-approval and evidence requirements.
• The correct liable person and notice: check ownership at the material time, the allegation and the applicable notice and service requirements.

3. Grounds and exemptions for a TfL Code 34 appeal

Motorcycle, taxi and other vehicle permissions must be checked against this lane. Ordinary private-hire use or a short distance in the lane is not a universal exemption.

• The bus-lane restriction was not operating at the recorded time.
• The vehicle was a permitted class under the sign and applicable bus-lane order.
• The recording does not establish prohibited use of the bus lane, or the signs did not adequately convey the restriction.
• An exception applied, such as an authorised direction or a necessary manoeuvre expressly permitted by the order. Support it with the full sequence and relevant evidence.
• Other statutory grounds include non-ownership, use without the owner's consent or police action for the same breach. Attach the supporting records.

4. How to challenge your PCN with TfL

Challenge the initial bus-lane PCN through TfL's PCN service. Under the London bus-lane procedure, formal representations are made within 28 days beginning with service of an Enforcement Notice.

The initial 50% discount runs for 14 days beginning with the date of the PCN. TfL pauses the discount period when it receives your representation within that period. If rejected, the remaining discount period resumes from the point it was paused.

1. Open TfL's PCN service below using your PCN number and vehicle registration.
2. Explain the Code 34 ground you rely on. Include evidence of the bus lane's hours, permitted vehicles and the full camera recording.
3. Submit in the name of the person or organisation on the notice, including written authorisation where a representative acts for them.
4. For a postal representation, use Red routes, PO Box 335, Darlington DL1 9PU. Keep a copy and allow time for delivery.
5. Save your completed submission, attachments and dated acknowledgement.

5. How long does TfL have to respond?

London Tribunals says the authority "should normally respond to representations within 3 months". Keep the acknowledgement showing when TfL received yours.

6. If TfL rejects your representation

Following a formal rejection, you have 28 days beginning with service to pay or register an appeal with London Tribunals. Use the appeal instructions and verification details supplied with TfL's decision.

A reply to an initial bus-lane challenge is different from a decision on formal representations against the Enforcement Notice.

7. Taking your TfL appeal to London Tribunals

Register with the Environment and Traffic Adjudicators at London Tribunals, the independent tribunal for this PCN. Set out your Code 34 grounds and include the notice, your representation and the supporting evidence.

If TfL contests the appeal, review its evidence pack against the bus lane's hours, permitted vehicles and the full camera recording. Respond to the tribunal's directions by the dates it gives you.

There is no fee to register an appeal. If refused, the full penalty is normally payable; the earlier discount does not automatically continue.

Other TfL notices and appeal routes

This contravention uses the Environment and Traffic Adjudicators route. TfL's ULEZ, LEZ, Congestion Charge and tunnel charging penalties use the separate Road User Charging Adjudicators route.

2025 TfL tribunal results: Bus lanes

171 of 343 recorded cases were allowed (49.9%).

Full Code 34 PCN Appeal Guide

Read the detailed legislation, signage requirements, exemptions and case analysis for this contravention.