New enforcement cameras installed on one of Birmingham's most famous streets have caught a staggering 25,000 motorists in their inaugural year of operation.
Broad Street Crackdown Nets Thousands
Birmingham City Council activated the cameras at the end of 2024 along five sections of Broad Street, the city's iconic nightlife strip. The strict rules permit only buses and trams to use the lane, aiming to ensure smooth journeys for public transport, including the Metro which now runs the full length of the road.
Data obtained up to the end of October 2025 revealed that 24,743 offences had already been recorded, with the final two months of the year expected to push the total well beyond 25,000. Those caught receive an initial Penalty Charge Notice of £30, which doubles to £60 if not paid within 14 days.
Camera Adjustment Uncovers True Scale of Offences
The number of fines surged dramatically in the autumn after a technical review of the system. The council adjusted the 'region of interest' on a camera at the Berkley Street location to ensure it was accurately capturing all vehicles breaking the rules.
This change had a profound effect. Recorded offences at that spot skyrocketed from a few hundred per month to 5,508 in September and 3,557 in October. This suggests thousands of drivers had previously been evading detection, and indicates that high fine numbers are likely to continue into 2026.
Another hotspot for penalties has been the Bridge Street section, where over 8,500 fines were issued by the end of October.
Enforcement Follows Two-Year Grace Period
While the bus lane restrictions on Broad Street were first introduced back in 2022, the council only began active camera enforcement in December 2024. The lanes operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with general traffic completely prohibited from the route famed for its pubs, bars, and nightclubs.
A Birmingham City Council spokesperson stated: "The increase in bus lane enforcement at Broad Street... followed a scheduled review of the new camera system. This technical adjustment resulted in a higher number of recorded offences, reflecting more accurate enforcement rather than a change in driver behaviour."
Council bosses have previously said the rigorous enforcement is essential for "keeping the city moving" by prioritising reliable public transport on key corridors.
