The money brought in from motorists being issued bus lane fines has soared in three years, The Bolton News can today reveal.
Information released by Bolton Council through a Freedom of Information Request (FOI) shows the authority received £414,475 from bus lane fines during the 2025-26 financial year.
It’s an 85 per cent rise on the money generated from fines compared to last year.
And the money raised through bus lane fines has risen for the third consecutive year, according to newly released figures.
It’s an 85 per cent rise on the cash generated from fines compared to last year.
That compares with £223,509 in 2024-25 and £47,393 in 2023-24, meaning income has increased significantly over the past three financial years.
Bolton Council currently has 14 enforced bus lanes across the borough.
Automatic number plate recognition cameras capture the registration plate details of all vehicles driving illegally along the bus lane.
Cllr Nadeem Ayub, Executive Cabinet Member for Transport in Bolton Council, said: “2025/26 was the first financial year where all bus lanes were operational.
“Since Council approved, there has been a phased approach of installation, and it is necessary to have a 6-month warning period.
“Therefore, we would expect to see an increase in income for last year, and I would like to remind motorists not to enter bus lanes during the hours of operation.
“I also confirm that any income generated through PCN’s is invested into highways maintenance.”
Nine bus lanes operate during peak hours from 7am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm, Monday to Friday, while five are in force 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Some peak-time bus lanes are on Newbrook Road, St Helens Road, Derby Street and Deane Road.
Other all-day bus lanes are on Knowsley Street, St Georges Road, Bridge Street, Deansgate and Great Moor Street.
Bus lane camera enforcement began in October 2023, with drivers who enter a bus lane during its hours of operation issued with penalty charge notices.
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