Bus Lane Fine London?

Question

I just got a fine for having one of my wheels in the bus lane! Is there anyway I can fight this - I contested the fine but they say there was no obstruction to cause me to drift into the lane (one wheel!) and that I could have obstructed a bus if it had been using the lane at the time (it wasn't). Any ideas - I really can do without a £60 fine!

Answer 1

You can fight this, and you would have a good chance to win it, depending on the judge.

The only problem I see is evidence… I understand that you were driving, and were not parked? So you would not have a photo of the situation?

You see, if the ticket doesn't say you were drifting on the buslane with one wheel only, it's your word against the police-officer's. And in court of law, his is worth more (sadly)…

If you don't think you've got enough convincing evidence, I would suggest you just pay the £60; it would cost you more to litigate I'm afraid :/ It's unfair I know… lex dura, sed lex…

Answer 2

You do not have a dogs chance in h**l.

This is a technical offence, for which there can be no plea of mitigation. If you were careless enough to stray into the bus lane, you are guilty.

The £60 fixed penalty fine is the cheap option. If you challenge it in court, it can be increased to £500, plus an award against you of the prosecution costs (to say nothing of your own, wasted legal fees).

I suggest that next time you pay more attention to your driving.

Answer 3

It happened to me Last Year. I wrote a letter appealing but they rejected it and said i had to pay. I have not given them a penny and they have not chased it up...yet.