Bus Lane Fines Soar in London Under Mayor Sadiq Khan

By the Editorial Team · Monday, August 17, 2026

London authorities issued fines totaling £6.6 million last year to over 54,000 drivers misusing bus lanes, nearly doubling the number of offenders from the previous year. This increase is part of Mayor Sadiq Khan’s broader strategy to ease congestion and improve air quality, though it has sparked criticism over the growing costs imposed on motorists.

London authorities collected £6.6 million in fines last year from over 54,000 drivers caught using bus lanes improperly, marking a significant increase in revenue under Mayor Sadiq Khan’s administration. The number of motorists fined rose sharply from 29,423 the previous year, when £4.3 million was collected, representing a 53 percent increase in revenue and nearly doubling the number of offenders. This figure also represents a fivefold rise compared to three years ago, when £1.2 million was collected from 8,900 drivers.

Transport for London (TfL), overseen by Mayor Khan, reported that the current enforcement generates approximately £87,177 per mile of bus lane across the city. Traffic regulations stipulate a penalty of £160 for unauthorized use of bus lanes, which can be halved to £80 if paid promptly.

Alongside this rise in bus lane fines, Mayor Khan has implemented other measures to manage traffic and pollution in the capital, including raising the daily congestion charge to £21 and extending the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) fees, which apply a £12.50 daily charge on older vehicles that do not meet emission standards.

Critics have voiced concern over the increased financial burden on drivers. Greg Smith, a transport spokesman for the Conservative Party, described London as “a miserable place to try and get about” due to the heightened enforcement and charges.

In response, a spokesperson for TfL emphasized the importance of adherence to bus lane regulations to maintain efficient traffic flow in London. The representative also noted that funds obtained from fines are reinvested into the city’s transport network, supporting ongoing improvements.

The continued escalation of fines and charges reflects ongoing efforts by the city administration to reduce congestion and promote cleaner air, though these initiatives have generated debate over their impact on motorists and commuting conditions.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.