Sunderland City Council issues this response after raking in over 700k in bus lane fines
Council chiefs have defended the issuing of in excess of 25,000 fines after raking in more than £700,000 of income from people caught driving in bus lanes over the last two years.
Figures provided in response to Freedom of Information request showed that between January 2023 and December 2025 Sunderland City Council issued 27,692 penalty charge notices (PCNs) to drivers caught using bus lanes, bringing in a whopping £741,302.
In 2024, 14,454 PCNs were issued bringing in £333,293.30. This fell to 13,238 PCNs in 2025, but generated £408,009.04.
The biggest hotspot for fines was Vine Place, which recorded the highest number of penalties in the period with 22,590 tickets issued.
The data also shows the number of people that paid their fine early each year: 7,502 in 2024 and 7,238 in 2025.
Thousands of motorists also attempted to challenge their fines with only 1,820 penalties upheld following 4,312 appeals.
Council chiefs have defended the volume of fines and stressed that any fines from traffic enforcement will be reinvested in the city’s road network and public transport.
A spokesperson said: “Traffic enforcement cameras are used on bus gates 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 revenue from traffic enforcement can only be used to support further investment in highways, public transport and environmental improvements, in line with national regulations.”
Online car sales company Cinch UK’s motoring expert Ben Welham is concerned about the potential for motorists to end up in bus lanes unintentionally.
He said: “Bus lanes are designed to keep traffic moving in busy city centres. But they can easily catch drivers out if they’re unfamiliar with the road layout or miss signage.
“Motorists can often accidentally enter a bus lane when following sat nav directions or when traffic suddenly merges near junctions.
“The safest approach is to always keep an eye out for road markings and time restrictions, especially in city centres where bus lanes may only operate at certain times of day.”