Bus Lane Enforcement

Vehicles that drive, park or stop in Stockton's bus lanes may be recorded by CCTV cameras.

Stockton Council will issue Penalty Charge Notices to people who illegally use bus lanes. The scheme was piloted in Stockton High Street and is now being extended to other busy routes with bus lanes.

This scheme has been introduced so that our public transport system can be as reliable and punctual as possible. Our bus lanes provide a clear route for buses, pedal cycles and other limited authorised vehicles, although priority is given to buses.

A better and quicker bus journey is not the only benefit of the correct use of bus lanes - an improved service usually means a rise in passenger numbers which in turn helps to reduce the numbers of cars on the road and less congestion. Reduced congestion make the roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

What to do if you receive a Penalty Charge Notice

The council will send a Penalty Charge Notice to the vehicle's registered keeper. If you feel that the Penalty Charge Notice has been issued incorrectly you can challenge it. You can do this by writing to us using the address printed on the reverse of the Notice. The charge is £60, reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days. Please take prompt action to either pay the Penalty Charge or to register a challenge.

If either an appeal or payment is not received within 28 days then the fine will shortly afterwards be increased to £90.

How to pay

By post - using the payment slip on your penalty charge; cheques and postal orders should be made payable to Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council. The PCN number must be written on the reverse of the cheque or postal order. Payment should be posted to the Parking and Concessionary Fares service.

By telephone - to make a payment via our 24 hour telephone payments line - ring 0330 555 6780 - select option 4 Parking Fines, and follow the instructions given. Calls are charged at a local rate. Please have your PCN number ready. You will be asked to key this number into your telephone - please replace the letters SQ with **.

In person - please visit the Parking and Concessionary Fares service. Our opening hours are 8.30am to 5pm (Monday to Thursday) and 8.30am to 4.30pm (Friday).

If you do not agree that you should have been issued with the PCN you can challenge it by telling us in one of the following ways:

Using our online system - go online now or you can contact the Parking and Concessionary Fares service.