Birmingham's city centre bus lanes continue to trap tens of thousands of drivers, with new data revealing the staggering scale of fines issued in 2025. The notorious routes on Moor Street Queensway remain the most prolific, generating millions for the council despite official claims that their primary purpose is traffic management, not revenue.
Birmingham's Bus Lane Hotspots: The Numbers
Figures obtained through Freedom of Information requests show that, up to the end of October 2025, a total of 44,332 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) were issued across two bus zones on Moor Street Queensway. The southbound lane heading towards Digbeth recorded 24,294 violations, while the northbound lane towards Carrs Lane caught 20,038 drivers.
This translates to a daily average of approximately 147 motorists being caught by cameras at these two specific locations alone. The sheer volume suggests widespread confusion over the signage or road layout, with many drivers possibly drifting into the lanes unintentionally while following sat-navs or navigating the complex city centre.
A Lucrative Network for the Council
Over the last five years, Birmingham City Council has collected close to £14 million in bus lane fines. Moor Street Queensway stands as the single most profitable street, accounting for more than 150,000 fines since 2019.
It is not the only area catching drivers out. Following the activation of camera enforcement on Broad Street in December 2024, a further 10,273 penalties were issued in just the first five months of 2025. Another major hotspot is Sheepcote Street, near the canal bridge, which saw over 3,700 offences early in the year and has historically issued more than 140,000 fines, making it Birmingham's second most lucrative bus lane.
Rules, Fines, and How to Challenge
The restrictions on Moor Street Queensway operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Only buses, pedal cycles, and hackney carriages (black cabs) are permitted to use these "bus gates." Private cars and private hire vehicles are strictly prohibited.
Drivers who enter a bus lane are typically issued a PCN of £70. This is reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days, but can rise to £105 if a Charge Certificate is issued due to non-payment.
Council officials, including Councillor Majid Mahmood, maintain that enforcement is essential for keeping public transport on time and reducing city centre congestion. "Even if we don't collect a single penny, I will count the enforcement as a success because it will mean people have heeded our message," he stated.
Motorists are urged to pay close attention to blue and white signs and road markings. If you believe a PCN was issued incorrectly, you have 28 days to submit a formal challenge to the council. Common grounds for a successful appeal include unclear signage or genuine emergency situations where the driver had no alternative.
