Bus lane and moving traffic PCNs: box junctions, banned turns and bus lanes

Driving in a bus lane during its hours, stopping in a yellow box junction, making a banned turn, going the wrong way in a one-way street or past a no-entry sign. Councils catch these on camera and send the PCN to the registered keeper by post.

None. A council PCN is a civil penalty: no points on your licence and no criminal record. Red light and speed cameras are different: those are police matters and can mean points.

Outside London it is usually £70, halved to £35 if you pay within 21 days of the notice. London councils charge more. If you challenge within the 21 days, councils usually keep the discount open while they decide.

Outside London, when a council starts enforcing a new camera for moving traffic, it must send a warning instead of a PCN for a first contravention there in the first six months. If yours was a first time at a new camera, say so.

You can ask the council for the photos or video. Check the time, the signs that were showing, and whether you stopped in a box junction only because the car in front stopped suddenly, or entered a bus lane to let an emergency vehicle past.

You must not enter the box unless your exit is clear. The exception: you may wait in the box to turn right if you are only held up by oncoming traffic or other cars waiting to turn right.

Bus lanes have a blue sign that shows the hours they run and who may use them. Outside those hours anyone can drive in them. Check the sign at the start of the lane, and whether it was hidden or unclear.

Make representations to the council within 28 days of the PCN, saying why it should be cancelled and including your evidence. If they say no, you can appeal for free to an independent adjudicator: London Tribunals in London, or the Traffic Penalty Tribunal elsewhere in England.