Preston bus-only zones come under fire as council leader suggests amnesty for first-time offenders
Council leader hints at discussions around fines in response to controversial restrictions
Two bus-only zones in Preston are facing criticism, with Lancashire County Council indicating possible leniency towards first-time offenders who breach these regulations. The council leader suggested a "conversation" about the restrictions following accusations from opposition politicians that the zones are serving as "cash cows."
The Corporation Street bus gate, which restricts through traffic between Marsh Lane and Heatley Street, accrued £3.35 million in fines during its first 18 months in operation. Similarly, the newly introduced bus lane on New Hall Lane, providing a dedicated lane for buses, has been criticised for contributing to local traffic issues.
Calls for revisiting bus gate restrictions
Liberal Democrat county councillor Mark Jewell, proposing an amendment to the Reform-run council’s budget, argued for suspending the bus gates for two years. He suggested they should be assessed on their effectiveness in improving public transport while highlighting the impact on local businesses and traffic.
County councillor Suleman Sarwar, representing Preston City Council's St. Matthew’s ward, labelled any potential amnesty for first-time offenders on New Hall Lane as a "distraction." He claimed the restriction is causing safety and design issues and should be removed entirely.
“The New Hall Lane bus lane is a safety and design issue. It no longer works for the people who live and travel on it every day," Cllr Sarwar said.
A local survey conducted by Cllr Sarwar indicated that 94 percent of respondents felt traffic had worsened since the zone was introduced, even before enforcement began.
Reevaluating bus transport benefits
Cabinet member for highways and transport Warren Goldsworthy defended the bus zones, citing improvements in bus punctuality and increased usage across Lancashire. However, this was contested by opposition groups, who pointed out the statistics related to the entire county rather than specifically to these controversial zones.
Councillor Michael Lavalette from the Independent Progressive Lancashire group criticised the Corporation Street bus gate design, noting it had been breached on more than 100,000 occasions.
Labour council leader Matthew Brown, also a member of the county council, argued that the restrictions are not achieving their intended goals effectively.
County leader Stephen Atkinson responded to criticisms by distinguishing between occasional and habitual offenders, noting the need for a conversation about possible amendments and leniency for first-time breaches.
Financial implications of bus zone fines
There are nine bus-only zones in and around Preston and 18 across Lancashire (excluding Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen). In 2025, fines from these zones generated £2.24 million, which the authority reported was reinvested into road improvements across the county.
The debate over bus-only zones continues, with calls for impact assessments and adjustments to ensure they truly benefit public transport and local communities.