Tag: Roads

Edinburgh drivers hit with £1.1 MILLION in bus lane fines in just 6 months

UK drivers hit with £37.7 million in bus lane fines in the first six months of 2026, new analysis reveals

  • MoneySuperMarket requested Freedom of Information (FOI) data to reveal the cities issuing the most fines for bus lane and bus gate infringements
  • More than 1.17 million fines for driving in bus lanes and gates were issued in the first six months of 2026 – the equivalent of one fine every 13 seconds
  • In the first half of 2026, an average of £200,000 was collected each day from British motorists for bus-related driving penalties

British drivers have been issued more than 1.17 million bus lane and gate Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) during the first half of 2026, generating more than £37.7 million in fines, according to new analysis by car insurance expert MoneySuperMarket. 

Though most drivers will be aware of bus lanes, the road lanes reserved for buses, and often taxis, cyclists and motorbikes, bus gates may be more unfamiliar. These ‘gates’ block a short stretch of road to all traffic except buses, rather than restricting one lane. Both bus lanes and gates are enforced by CCTV or automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras and can result in PCN fines being issued for rule breaches.

The analysis, based on Freedom of Information (FOI) requests made by MoneySuperMarket to 77 councils and transport authorities across England, Scotland and Wales, reveals the scale and cost of bus lane enforcement across Great Britain.  The data shows the equivalent of one fine issued roughly every 13 seconds – more than £200,000 collected from motorists per day.

The research also reveals which authorities issued the most PCNs across the first six months of the year, with Transport for London (TfL) taking the top spot with 90,511 fines issued. Outside of London, Manchester follows in second place with 77,878 fines issued, while Sheffield ranks third with 59,011 PCNs issued. 

Number of PCNs Issued for Bus Lane and Gate Infringements, By City/Authority

Rank City/Authority Total PCNs issued for bus lane/gate infringement (Jan – June 2026) 
1 Transport for London (TfL) 90,511 
2 Manchester 77,878 
3 Sheffield 59,011 
4 Bristol 56,882 
5 Leeds 53,009 
6 Birmingham 51,687 
7 Southampton 42,216 
8 Reading 36,583 
9 Liverpool 35,526 
10 Coventry 35,265 

Manchester generated the most revenue from fines paid for bus lane and gate infringements, with the council receiving over £2.7 million in revenue in the first six months of 2026. Despite issuing more PCNs, TfL generated just under £2.4 million in revenue for the same time, with Birmingham (£2.17m) placing third.

Total Revenue from Bus Lane and Gate PCN Fines, By City/Authority

Rank City/Authority Total revenue from bus lane/gate infringement fines (Jan – June 2026) 
1 Manchester £2,726,409 
2 Transport for London (TfL) £2,374,283 
3 Birmingham £2,165,600 
4 Sheffield £1,700,741 
5 Glasgow £1,699,474 
6 Leeds £1,412,740 
7 Southwark £1,409,105 
8 Bristol £1,265,641 
9 Edinburgh £1,186,458 
10 Liverpool £1,166,222 

Alicia Hempsted, Car Insurance Expert at MoneySuperMarket, says: “Bus lanes and gates are an important part of our road infrastructure, so it’s important to keep them clear of cars and allow them to flow freely, particularly during busy periods. However, for many drivers, a brief lapse of attention or navigating an unfamiliar street can have expensive consequences. 

“PCNs are civil penalties, rather than criminal notices, so unlike offences for speeding or drink-driving, they won’t have any impact on your car insurance. If you do receive a PCN for a bus lane or gate infringement, you should try to address it as soon as possible as fines are often reduced by 50% if they’re settled within 14 to 21 days, though this does vary between locations. 

“You should always review the details of the PCN carefully before paying it to confirm they are correct. You can dispute a PCN by contacting the issuing council or TfL, which you should do as soon as possible if you feel it’s incorrect.

“However, if you fail to pay a PCN within the given time period, these can be escalated to a County Court judgment or bailiff action, which could show up on credit checks in the future.”

Crewe Toll Roundabout resurfacing to start on Monday

TRAFFIC DISRUPTION LIKELY FOR TWELVE WEEKS

‼️ MAJOR WORKS TO CREWE TOLL ROUNDABOUT ⚠️

Local Lib Dem councillors report: We’ve been alerted to major works to resurface the Crewe Toll roundabout and upgrade the pedestrian crossings.

The project will start on Monday 17th August and last for approximately 12 weeks.

The works will be completed via overnight shifts (between 7.30pm and 6.30am) but will require temporary closures of Crewe Road South, Crewe Road North, or the Ferry Road West approach.

Only one of these approaches will be closed at any one time.

Phase 1 will start with the closure of Crewe Road South at its junction with the Crewe Toll Roundabout. During these temporary road closures, traffic on the remaining four approaches will be managed via temporary traffic lights.

A signed diversion route will be in place for each of the closed approaches.

North Bridge fully reopens

North Bridge fully reopened last night (Friday 31 July), with final completion of the project expected later this year.

Both pavements and traffic lanes will be brought back into use in time for the peak festival season in August, which starts next weekend.

Work on the North Bridge began in 2018 and since then the Category A Listed structure has undergone a complete restoration.

This has included grit blasting and repainting all structural steelwork, restoring and hand finishing the cast iron façade, and installing a permanent access platform for future monitoring and care of the bridge.

The project has also brought significant social benefits through partnerships with local schools and universities, collaboration with charities and community groups, alongside careers support for young people, ex-offenders and people with disabilities.

A time capsule was interred last year with key objects from the project and an exhibition Study for North Bridge is running until September at the City Art Centre.

A co-curated video with contractor Balfour Beatty discusses this milestone and goes into some of the key information behind the project.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “I’m delighted that we’ve reached this key milestone in the project. This reopening is all the more welcome given the busy time of year, and the wider travel disruption we’re currently experiencing as a result of the fire on Princes Street.

“Make no mistake, this has been one of the most complex and ambitious projects the Council has ever undertaken. When work first began, some areas of the bridge hadn’t seen the light of day in over a century, and few could’ve imagined the scale of the challenge we faced.

https://twitter.com/Edinburgh_CC/status/2083219153922474331/video/1

“I’m conscious that this has taken longer, and cost more than we initially anticipated. Our residents, businesses and visitors have my sincere thanks for their patience during this time. However, I’m incredibly proud that we’ve successfully preserved and enhanced this cornerstone of Edinburgh’s history, and key transport corridor, for future generations of our city.

“To see the bridge back to its former glory, with the new façade shining in the summer sun, is something we can all celebrate together.”

https://twitter.com/balfourbeatty/status/2083256359466782840/video/1

Rory McFadden, Project Director at Balfour Beatty, said: “The reopening of North Bridge to both traffic and pedestrians marks a major milestone in this complex restoration project and is a significant step towards returning this iconic structure to the heart of Edinburgh’s transport network.

“While there is still work to complete in the months ahead, it will be incredibly rewarding to see residents, visitors and businesses once again utilising the bridge and benefitting from this vital transport link.”

Cole-Hamilton presses Transport Secretary on Echline Slip Roads

Edinburgh North-Western MSP, Alex Cole-Hamilton, has today contacted the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, Stephen Flynn, urging him to reconsider the Scottish Government’s 2018 decision to restrict the A90 slip roads at the Echline junction.

The restriction has seriously altered traffic movements into and out of Queensferry. 

Almost overnight, there was a substantial increase in traffic using Station Road, Bankhead Road, and the B924 – roads that were never designed to accommodate such high volumes of traffic.

Since then, Builyeon Road became the principal route for vehicles entering and leaving the town, which has seriously decreased the safety of the road.

The new housing development in Queensferry at Builyeon Road will cause another diversion at the beginning of 2027, with traffic being re-routed through the residential development and past the new primary school.

Alex has urged the Cabinet Secretary to reverse the previous decision and open the slip roads to all traffic, cutting congestion and, crucially, improving road safety – especially for the young people who cross the road to get to school.

Speaking on the issue, Alex said: ‘The traffic flow in Queensferry has been a burden on residents for too many years now.

Many are having to wait in traffic, with my constituents also telling me how unsafe the road is to cross. This is all while a solution sits ready to be actioned.

Restoring these connections would provide a valuable alternative route for motorists, relieve pressure on the local road network, and reduce the volume of traffic which will pass through a residential neighbourhood and alongside a primary school.

I hope the Cabinet Secretary takes my concerns seriously, and we see a change soon.’

Transport Sec LetterDownload

Disruption warning as D Mains roundabout to close on Monday

Davidson’s Mains roundabout closed from Monday (13 April) for work to improve road safety. There will be no access for vehicles from Cramond Road South, Main Street or Quality Street.

This will affect Lothian Bus services 47 and 21.

Find out more about bus diversions: www.lothianbuses.com/service-updates

The city council is working hard to limit disruption and working closely with Lothian Buses to put alternative plans in place for Cramond residents from next week.

More information www.edinburgh.gov.uk/davidsonsmains

North Edinburgh Connections: Pennywell Road consultation

Consultation now open by @Edinburgh_CC on ‘North Edinburgh Connections’ active travel scheme (Ferry Road-Pennywell Road-West Granton Road).

You can see the plans and comment (closing date 9 June) here:

http://bit.ly/4d0gHHX

Six month Gorgie Road closure to ‘enhance West Edinburgh’s water environment’

A major £3 million Scottish Water project on a key arterial route linking west Edinburgh with the city centre is about to get underway.

Gorgie Road will be closed between Robb’s Loan and Hutchison Crossway for approximately SIX MONTHS from Sunday (25 January 2026).

The existing unscreened overflow is to be replaced by a new overflow chamber with a powered screen to filter out sewer related debris during heavy rain.

Part of Scottish Water’s £500million Improving Urban Waters programme, the project will protect the nearby Water of Leith in Saughton Park.

Senior Project Manager Ethan Gillies Denning said: “We are acutely aware Gorgie Road is one of the key transport routes linking west Edinburgh with the city centre.

“As well as being home to Tynecastle stadium and close to Murrayfield, it is also home to thousands of residents, and crucial for local businesses, schools, universities and emergency services.

“But the road also sits above critical Victorian-era waste water infrastructure that helps protect homes and businesses during heavy rain.

“This project will significantly reduce sewer related debris entering the Water of Leith, supporting cleaner rivers and a healthier local environment for people and wildlife including otters.”

The project is part of Scottish Water’s Improving Urban Waters programme, an additional £500million package of investment to improve the environment and make it more enjoyable for customers to explore their local area.

Working closely with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Scottish Water has identified priority storm overflows for improvement or replacement for water quality or aesthetic – sewer related debris – reasons.

Under the banner ‘Draining the Rain, Enhancing the Environment’ the investment will help prevent sewer related debris such as wet wipes from entering the environment during periods of rainfall.

Ethan Gillies Denning added: “We have launched a comprehensive campaign of radio and social media adverts to make sure as many as people as possible are aware of the work starting.

“There will inevitably be disruption, but we have worked closely with a range of agencies including Edinburgh City Council and the emergency services to anticipate and mitigate any major issues.

“We would ask people to follow all diversion signs and to allow extra time for journeys particularly at peak times and please be patient.”

The project is being delivered by Scottish Water’s alliance partner, Caledonia Water Alliance and is expected to be completed by July 2026.

Essential driving tips for safe journeys this festive season

Travelling home for Christmas or out and about visiting family can be a hectic and dangerous time on our roads.

Around Christmas, conditions are normally challenging with cold and wet weather making roads treacherous.

The evenings are also darker, with a larger volume of cars. Traffic experts estimate nearly 30 million journeys take place in the UK over the Christmas holidays, as people hunt for gifts, enjoy festive nights out and celebrate with friends and family.

Experts from Tiger.co.uk have named six important steps for drivers to take when travelling over the festive period, particularly if they have kids in the car.

The calendar is normally packed full of festivities that children often need to be driven to, from visiting Santa, to pantomimes, town Christmas light switch-ons and carol services – often driving long distances or through turbulent winter weather conditions.

It’s crucial for parents or guardians to be aware of potential issues to ensure a safe and responsible driving environment for little ones.

Crucially, parents should use an appropriate car seat or seat belt for their child’s age, height, and weight and make sure it’s installed properly, regularly cleaned and is compatible with the vehicle.

According to the Highway Code, children must use a car seat until they’re 12 years old or 135 cm tall, and toddlers under 15 months must be placed in a rear-facing car seat.

Failing to comply with these rules can result in a fine of up to £500 and penalty points.

The Highway Code Rule 98 also warns drivers to make sure objects are secure when loading a car. Christmas presents, juice bottles and toys need to be stored properly before setting off, to reduce the risk of them hurting people inside the car in the event of an accident.

Busy parents or caregivers are also reminded to avoid multitasking while driving and avoid driving altogether if they are too tired over the festive break.

Ian Wilson, car insurance expert and Managing Director at Tiger.co.uk said: “Driving over the holiday season can bring a whole new set of challenges given the unpredictable weather, busy roads and hectic Christmas calendar.

“It also brings unfamiliar situations as more people do late night runs as designated drivers, usual routes can suffer additional congestion due to festive events and Christmas lights and festive spectacles can make for distractions.

“It’s important for drivers to be aware of these additional hazards and safety tips in the build up to Christmas, leaving time to prepare the car, the passengers and ensure they’re not too tired to drive.

“Careless driving can see motorists handed an unlimited fine with three to nine penalty points so it’s best to be aware of the dangers and plan ahead.”

Tiger’s tips for staying safe on the roads this Christmas: 

1. Avoid distractions and ensure visibility

It’s important that the driver can see out of the vehicle properly at all times, so presents need to be packed and stored safely in the boot – and not on the parcel shelf. If the car is decorated for Christmas, you need to be careful that it’s not a distraction to the driver and they can see clearly out of all of the windows.

2. Check you’re not too tired

The Christmas period can put a lot of stress on drivers. Organising, packing, wrapping and spending time visiting lots of family members can be exhausting but you should never drive when tired. Anyone experiencing festive fatigue should swap drivers, take a rest stop to recharge or consider public transport. 

3. Beware of bulky clothes

Although the winter chill means children are likely wrapped up warm before getting into the car, bulky coats should not be worn in car seats. They leave extra space under the harness, which could lead them to slip through the straps during an accident. To keep kids warm in the car, dress them in thin layers and use a blanket over the harness. 

4. Double-check child lock

When driving with children, child locks should also be in use. Children may open the door accidentally while moving – which is incredibly dangerous and could be seen as careless driving and result in a hefty fine and points on your licence. Without a child lock, children can also try to leave the vehicle in busy areas before the parents are ready to help.  

5. Car seats are a priority 

When driving with young children under 12 years or 135 cm tall, it is crucial to follow guidelines provided by car seat manufacturers and the law, to ensure children are properly restrained. Babies under 15 months must be placed in a rear-facing car seat. Refit and clean the seats regularly to ensure they are secure and free from debris that could hinder the buckles.

6. Be wary of multitasking

Passengers, especially children, can be very excitable when travelling at Christmas time, but it is important for drivers not to get distracted. Whether you are tending to their needs or trying to calm them down in the car, these distractions could lead to accidents. It is important to stay focused on the road in order to remain in control of the vehicle. If children in the car are becoming fussy on long journeys, it is better to pull over and take a break in a safe spot before taking to the road again. 

It’s also sensible to add breakdown cover to car insurance policies this Christmas or purchase a standalone product – drivers should check with their insurer to see if they have it already as standard, to avoid paying extra.

Tonight: BBC Alba’s Eòrpa investigates delays in dualling the A9

The A9 road between Perth and Inverness was originally due to be fully dualled by this year. Chronic delays have seen Scottish ministers push that back to 2035. Reporter Andrew MacKinnon hears from locals and drivers affected by this 10-year delay, alongside Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop MSP in the latest Eorpa documentary: The A9 | An A9.

Campaigners have long argued for swifter progress, citing safety concerns on a road that regularly changes from single to dual carriageway. There has been political criticism of the Scottish Govenment’s failure to deliver on their original promise.

Tragically, there has all too often been the grief and pain that accompanies the loss of a loved one on what has become a notorious stretch of road.

Ronnie Weir’s house in the village of Dowally in Perthshire is a mere 25 meters from an undualled section of the A9. In April 2017, Ronnie suffered serious leg injuries on the same stretch when a car travelling in the opposite direction hit his vehicle head on. The female driver of the other car died at the wheel.

Speaking to Eòrpa, he told how the trauma follows him to this day: “You’re always concerned whether it is near the home or anywhere because the trauma which an accident causes is horrendous.  

“Sometimes it’s difficult to speak about it because of that and it brings back memories about how insensitive some people were about the whole accident. They just wanted to keep on the road and don’t care.”

Lorry driver Elaine MacKenzie, whose job means frequent journeys up and down the section of the A9 that’s now due to be dualled by 2035, told Eòrpa: “People don’t understand that the signs say 50mph for lorries but not for cars.

“Everything slows down. Those behind me can’t get past, they get impatient, and they don’t understand that there’s people in front of me, and then they try to get past me in dangerous places. This is every day. I pray every time I go on the A9.”

Dualling is set to gather pace ahead of the 2035 deadline. Farmer Pamela Laird’s family has run East Dowally farm in Perthshire for generations. Speaking on camera for the first time about her situation, she told Eòrpa she’s set to lose a quarter of her land to the A9 under Scottish Government compulsory purchase powers.

So far she doesn’t know how much she’ll get: “We’re losing a hundred acres. In some areas they’re stripping the topsoil off and lowering it.

So it’s very invasive, very invasive. Flooding is number one worry for us. I don’t believe that the swales and suds and any mitigation that they have put into place will cope with the Tay when it is in full flow.

“I think when the river rises it’s just going to rip through everything.”

Transport Scotland told Eòrpa mitigation measures have been taken, including culverts to allow waters to drain.

The Scottish Government’s commitment is now for completion of dualling between Perth and Inverness by 2035.

Pressed on continuing safety concerns about sections yet to be dualled, Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop MSP said: “Any loss of a life on the A9 or indeed other roads in Scotland is a tragedy in and of itself.

“Road safety is something as Cabinet Secretary for Transport I take extremely seriously and in terms of the A9 we’ve also invested five million pounds on interim shorter term road safety issues.

“We’re not waiting just for the dualling. The dualling in and of itself will help on road safety and that’s one of the reasons that clearly we’ve embarked on it.”

Inverness-based reporter Andrew MacKinnon: “The Scottish Government’s new deadline of 2035 can be seen as bitter-sweet. Progress is being made, and Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop has given her assurances that 2035 will be met.

“However, those who point to a need for the section to be dualled for safety reasons are faced with another 10 years before that’ll be done. And those who have suffered the tragic loss of loved ones will continue to grieve.”

Eòrpa: The A9 | An A9 premieres on BBC ALBA TONIGHT Monday 25 August at 9pm, and on iPlayer from 6am the same day.

Watch live or on demand: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b006mvwb/eorpa

‘Summertime Streets’ changes to begin next week in city centre

With the summer festivals season fast approaching, the city council is making temporary changes to the way some of our city centre streets operate between Thursday 24 July and Sunday 7 September 2025.

During this busy period the population of our city effectively doubles, which brings challenges for residents, businesses and visitors.

These temporary changes, which include removing or restricting vehicle traffic, are designed to make our streets easier and safer to walk around.

George Street and several streets in the Old Town will be impacted. A full list of streets along with further information is available on our website.

There is also specific advice for blue badge holders, home deliveries, loading and services for businesses, places of worship and special arrangements.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “As we prepare to welcome the world to Edinburgh for our summer festivals, we’re making sure that these higher visitor numbers are managed safely and properly.

“We’ve made temporary changes to our city centre streets successfully during this period for many years and I’m sure that this summer will be no different.

“I’d like to thank our residents and businesses for their understanding and patience as we get ready to showcase and enjoy our city’s unparalleled cultural offering once again.”