PCN code 33E: meaning and how to appeal
Moving trafficMoving traffic / bus laneCan be camera-enforced
Official description: “Using a route restricted to certain vehicles (buses, cycles and taxis only)”
What it means
You drove through a route reserved for certain vehicles - often a 'bus gate' or a 'buses and cycles only' street. The suffix says which vehicles were allowed.
What the suffix E means: 33E means the route was for buses, cycles and taxis only. Check the signs carefully if you drive a licensed taxi or private hire vehicle - private hire vehicles are not usually 'taxis' for these signs. See the main code 33 page for the other suffixes.
How much is a code 33E PCN?
Bus lane and moving traffic contraventions have a single penalty level.
| Area | Penalty | Paid early (50%) | After charge certificate (+50%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| London boroughs and TfL | £160 | £80 | £240 |
| Outside London (band 2) | £70 | £35 | £105 |
| Outside London (band 1 areas) | £60 | £30 | £90 |
Outside London, only councils that have been given moving traffic enforcement powers under Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004 can issue these PCNs, and most of them use £70.
Sources: London Councils (London amounts from 7 April 2025) and SI 2022/71 Schedule 3 (outside London). Full fines guide.
Deadlines
- London: the PCN comes by post. There's a 50% discount within 14 days, and you have 28 days to pay or make representations.
- Outside London: the PCN comes by post. There's a 50% discount within 21 days, and you have 28 days to pay or make representations. The council must decide within 56 days. For the first six months at a new camera site, a warning notice should be sent for a first contravention.
- Notice of Rejection: 28 days to appeal to the tribunal (free).
- Charge certificate: the penalty rises by 50%. Order for recovery: 21 days to pay or file a witness statement.
Common grounds to appeal a code 33E PCN
- Your vehicle was one of those permitted (for example a licensed taxi on a 'buses and taxis' route).
- The signs were not clear, were obscured or did not give enough warning to turn off.
- You were directed through by police or to let an emergency vehicle pass.
- Outside London: a warning notice should have been given for a first contravention at a new camera site.
Also check the PCN itself: are the date, time, location, vehicle and code correct, and was it served on time? Errors can support the statutory grounds, such as procedural impropriety or 'the contravention did not occur'.
Evidence to gather
- Ask to view the camera footage or for still images - you are entitled to this for camera PCNs (in England outside London, regulation 3(3) of SI 2022/576).
- Dash-cam footage of the approach and the signs.
- Photos of the signs and road markings from the driver's view on approach.
How to appeal
- Formal representations within 28 days of the Notice to Owner or postal PCN.
- If rejected, appeal to the tribunal within 28 days.
Write your code 33E appeal letter for free. Pick your grounds, add your facts, then copy, download or print.
Generate a letterHire or lease company? See how to transfer liability to the hirer.
Related codes
Bus gate / restricted routeCode 33B
Bus gate / restricted route - buses onlyCode 33C
Bus gate / restricted route - buses and cycles onlyCode 33F
Bus gate / restricted route - buses and taxis only
Frequently asked questions
What does PCN code 33E mean?
Code 33E is “Using a route restricted to certain vehicles (buses, cycles and taxis only)”. In plain English: You drove through a route reserved for certain vehicles - often a 'bus gate' or a 'buses and cycles only' street. The suffix says which vehicles were allowed.
How much is a code 33E PCN?
Moving traffic and bus lane PCNs are £160 in London (£80 if paid within 14 days) and usually £70 outside London (£35 if paid early).
Can I appeal a code 33E PCN?
Yes. Common grounds include: Your vehicle was one of those permitted (for example a licensed taxi on a 'buses and taxis' route). The signs were not clear, were obscured or did not give enough warning to turn off. You were directed through by police or to let an emergency vehicle pass.
How long do I have to challenge a code 33E PCN?
Challenge within 14 days to protect the discount where possible. Formal representations must be made within 28 days of the Notice to Owner or postal PCN, and a tribunal appeal within 28 days of a Notice of Rejection.
Official sources
- London Councils: Penalty Charge Notices contravention code list (v7.0)
- PATROL / Traffic Penalty Tribunal: Contravention codes (England and Wales)
- London Councils: Parking and traffic charges in London
- SI 2022/71 Schedule 3: penalty charge bands outside Greater London
- SI 2022/576 regulation 5: grounds for representations
- DfT statutory guidance: bus lane and moving traffic enforcement outside London (updated 21 Oct 2022)