Bus lanes
As part of our Local Transport Plan and Civil Parking Enforcement scheme our aims are to:
- improve health and safety;
- tackle climate change; and,
- improve quality of life.
Bus lanes were installed in Eastbourne, St Leonards-on-Sea and Telscombe Cliffs to help achieve these aims. Bus lanes can help
- promote more sustainable means of transport by increasing the use of public transport
- improve bus journey times and reliability of services
- reduce congestion, traffic pollution and carbon emissions.
Where are the bus lanes and when do they apply?
Eastbourne
In Eastbourne there are two bus lanes in Gildredge Road and Terminus Road.
The bus lane in Gildredge Road applies for the whole length of the road. It operates from 5am to midnight, Monday to Sunday.
The bus lane in Terminus Road applies from the junction of Ashford Road to the junction of Cornfield Road. It operates 24 hours a day, Monday to Sunday. Taxis are allowed to use it between midnight and 5am.
St Leonards-on-Sea
The bus lane is on a stretch of the A259 Grand Parade from its junction on Eversfield Place running westwards to the junction of Warrior Square. It operates 24 hours a day, Monday to Sunday.
Telscombe Cliffs
The bus lane is on a stretch of A259 South Coast Road from the junction of Central Avenue running westwards until it reaches the border of Brighton & Hove. It operates 24 hours a day, Monday to Sunday. Taxis and motorcycles are allowed to use this bus lane.
How are bus lanes indicated?
All bus lanes are identified by road markings and road signs. Each bus lane will have road markings and the words ‘Bus Lane’ and will be separated from the lane used by normal traffic by a solid white line. Signs will also be displayed showing a white bus on a blue background. Where pedal cycles, motorcycles and taxis are allowed these will also be shown on the road markings and blue signs.
Bus lanes have the times of operation on the approach signage. If the sign does not show the times then it operates 24 hours.
Enforcement of the bus lanes
To reduce the misuse of bus lanes, on 31 May 2022 we began enforcement of bus lanes in Eastbourne and on 6 May 2025 we began enforcement of bus lanes in St Leonards-on-Sea and Telscombe Cliffs.
Enforcement is carried out by digital cameras that record all vehicles that enter the lanes. The recordings are reviewed daily by a member of the team who will issue a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) if a contravention occurs. The vehicle registration number is sent to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. They provide the name and address of the registered keeper that the PCN is then posted to.
The charge for a bus lane PCN is £70. This is reduced to £35 if it is paid within 21 days. If the PCN is not paid or challenged within 28 days of it being posted it will increase to £105.
Vehicles are permitted to load and unload and pick up and drop off passengers in the bus lane. Vehicles should only enter the bus lane at the point that these activities will be taking place. The vehicle must leave the bus lane straight away when the activity has been completed and must not travel unnecessarily through the bus lane.
Like our parking schemes, how any income for the scheme can be used is set out in legislation. Income pays for the installation, upkeep and running of the scheme. Any surplus income is reinvested in our local transport schemes. Information about schemes supported by any surplus is published in our annual parking reports.
Pay or challenge a PCN
For any other queries in relation to bus lanes, please contact us.
