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Frequently Asked Questions

Answer:

The easiest way is to pay online, but you can also pay via:

Telephone: 0300 111 8000
Post: Send a cheque with your full name, address and penalty charge notice number (starting with the letters GE) to:

Parking Services
PO Box 2994
Stoke on Trent
ST4 9FG

Answer:

A bus lane fine is £60. If this is paid within 14 days of the date of service then the charge is reduced to £30.

If you have not paid after one month, you will also be billed for all additional costs of recovering your debt.

Answer:

You can appeal against the charge if:

  • The offence did not occur,
  • The same offence has been the subject of a fixed penalty notice or is the subject of criminal proceedings,
  • You were not the registered owner/keeper of the vehicle at the time of the offence,
  • You were not the hirer of the vehicle at the time of the offence,
  • The penalty charge notice exceeded the relevant amount.
  • You were the registered owner/keeper of the vehicle at the time of the offence but it was:
    • on hire to a driver who had signed a statement taking liability,
    • kept by a motor trader,
    • taken without the consent of the owner.

We may also consider other appeals if the registered keeper/owner feels that there are other circumstances.

Appeals can be made in writing to:

Parking Services
PO Box 2994
Stoke on Trent
ST4 9FG

Alternatively you can send it via email to: parking@stoke.gov.uk

You will need to clearly state your penalty charge notice number starting with the letters GE and your full postal address. Please state your case clearly and simply and include with your appeal copies of any evidence that will support your case.

Please note: No appeals will be accepted via telephone or in person. If we reject your appeal then you will still have the choice to go to an independent adjudicator who will consider your case impartially.

Answer:
No, you should only pay the charge if you do not wish to dispute it.  Once paid, appeals against a charge will not be considered.
Answer:

Generally only buses, and occasionally other vehicles such as pedal cycles, motor cycles and taxis, are allowed to use the bus lane during the hours of operation as shown on nearby signs.

A bus is defined as a motor vehicle constructed or adapted to carry more than 8 passengers. In some cases only ‘local’ buses operating a local timetabled service for fee paying passengers are allowed.

Answer:
There will be times when unauthorised vehicles will be allowed to travel in bus lane. These are:
  • when directed to do so by a police officer in uniform;
  • to make way for an emergency services vehicle;
  • when crossing a bus lane to enter or leave the road;
  • to avoid danger such as a collision or debris in the road;
  • owing to circumstances beyond the control of the driver.
Answer:

We enforce bus lanes to make sure that the benefits of their use are gained. These include:

  • Increased bus service reliability;
  • Improved bus passenger journey times;
  • Encouraging the use of sustainable public transport, further reducing congestion and pollution on our roads.
Answer:
Section 144 of the Transport Act 2000 allows for approved local authorities to issue fines for bus lane contraventions. We were designated an approved authority by The Bus Lane Contraventions (Approved Local Authorities) (England) (Amendment) (No. 6) Order 2007.

Bus lanes are created using traffic regulation orders made by ourselves under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. This allows us to place various restrictions on roads.

Confirmation and certification of the cameras we use to enforce bus lanes, as well as our declaration of compliance and legal notices are available to view below:

We are a member of the Bus Lane Adjudication service.

Answer:
Bus lane enforcement is carried out in accordance with legislation and an approved policy (1.1 MB) for Staffordshire.
Answer:
Bus lanes have clear signs and road markings with the words "bus lane". If pedal cycles, motorcycles and taxis are allowed these will also be shown on the road markings and blue signs. 

Always check the signs at the start of a bus lane before entering to avoid getting a fine.

Some bus lanes are not permanently in operation, so the days and times of operation will be displayed on the signs.

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