North East councils generate over £2m in bus lane fines in 2025
More than 2 million pounds has been generated for North East councils - from bus lane fines in 2025
More than 2 million pounds has been generated for North East councils - from bus lane fines in 2025.
Through Freedom of Information Requests, it has been revealed that millions have been raised through issuing bus lane fines from January to November/December this year. The three largest benefactors according to the figures obtained are Newcastle, Gateshead, and Sunderland councils.
The breakdown per local authority area is as follows:
Newcastle City Council : £760,749 via 26,826 fines
Gateshead Council: £690,710 via 24,363 fines
Sunderland City Council: £382,083.02 via 11,965 fines
Durham County Council: £160,562 via 4,124 fines
South Tyneside Council: £103,440 via 6,040 fines
Northumberland County Council: £55,255 via 2,926 fines
North Tyneside: 3,102 fines
According to North Tyneside Council’s FOI, the local authority’s software system does not distinguish between parking or bus lane “contraventions” and that the request would include some penalty charge notices (PCNs) paid prior to the requested time frame.
The council’s FOI response went on to state that in order to provide the cash generated specifically by bus lane fines it would require each case to be manually accessed. An effort that exempts the council from complying with the Freedom of Information Act in this instance.
A Newcastle City Council spokesperson said: “We appreciate that not everyone can leave their car at home, but we believe that when using public transport is an option it is cheaper and better for the environment as we seek to have cleaner air and an environment.
“Bus lanes not only make public transport journeys quicker and smoother they alleviate the pressure on our highway network which can be subject to disruption for example due to the restoration of the Tyne Bridge and maintenance of the central motorway – two critically important projects for the city.
“More Penalty Charge Notices (PCN’s) are issued in Newcastle as it is the region’s major centre for employment and retail attracting many more car journeys than in surrounding areas. However, the size of our fines are in line with other local authorities and any surplus income from penalties are used to make further improvements to public transport, highways and the environment.
“If a motorist receives a PCN for driving in a bus lane then they do have the right to appeal. Any motorist wishing to do this will be expected to set out why they believe the PCN has been issued in error or by stating their mitigation for not adhering to the bus lane restrictions in force.”
A spokesperson for Gateshead Council said: “Bus lanes in Gateshead form one part of a wider strategy to create an improved transport network that works better for everyone – drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and people using public transport. We want a road system that will be robust and reliable for the long term, and that ensures we move the maximum number of people – by all modes – as efficiently as possible.
“Over 30% of people in Newcastle and Gateshead do not have access to a car or van and we have to be fair to everybody.”
Earlier reporting by the LDRS also found an uptick in fines issued for the High West Street bus lane in Gateshead between April 2024 and March 31 2025. 10,241 PCNs compared with 6,708 from the previous year.
The A167 Gateshead flyover was also shut down in December 2024 following an inspection.
Sunderland City Council’s cabinet member for environment, transport and net zero, coun Lindsey Leonard said: “Traffic enforcement cameras are used to help improve road safety, support reliable public transport, and ensure that traffic regulations are followed. These measures are designed to create safer streets for pedestrians and other road users, while also encouraging greater use of sustainable transport options.
“Like many councils across the country, we use our enforcement powers to issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) when vehicles drive through restricted areas such as bus gates or bus lanes. The standard £70 PCN is reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days, and anyone who believes a notice has been issued incorrectly can follow the appeals process set out in the information sent to the registered keeper
“Any income from traffic enforcement can only be used to support further investment in highways, public transport and environmental improvements, in line with national regulations.”