Drivers in Birmingham have been hit with a staggering number of penalties for illegally using city centre bus lanes this year, with one road proving to be a particular hotspot for offences.
Moor Street Queensway: Birmingham's bus lane fine capital
New data reveals that nearly 45,000 motorists have been caught by enforcement cameras on Moor Street Queensway in 2025. The figures, obtained through a Freedom of Information request by BirminghamLive, show a persistent problem with drivers entering restricted zones.
The road features two specific 'bus gate' sections that continue to trap high volumes of traffic. One operates on the southbound carriageway heading towards Digbeth near the Bullring, while the other is on the northbound side directing traffic towards Carrs Lane.
A costly mistake for thousands
Up to the end of October, cameras recorded 24,294 offences on the Digbeth-bound section and 20,038 on the Carrs Lane route. This equates to approximately 2,500 rule breaches every month in each direction, suggesting the regulations remain confusing or are frequently ignored.
While Birmingham City Council maintains that the primary purpose of the bus lanes is to manage traffic flow and not to generate income, they have undoubtedly become significant revenue earners. Each penalty charge notice typically costs drivers a substantial sum, contributing considerable funds to council coffers.
Confusion or deliberate violation?
Transport officials and motoring groups believe many incidents stem from confusion rather than intentional rule-breaking. Drivers unfamiliar with the city centre layout may take wrong turns or fail to interpret signage correctly before it's too late to change lane.
Authorities advise motorists to pay close attention to road signs, especially when navigating unfamiliar routes, and to allow ample time for lane changes to avoid accidentally entering a bus-only zone.
The issue isn't confined to Moor Street Queensway. Thousands more drivers have been penalised on Broad Street, where new bus and tram-only lanes were introduced at the end of 2024. This year marked the first full period of enforcement along the famous nightlife strip.
The scale of fines issued highlights an ongoing challenge in balancing efficient public transport with clear communication of traffic rules to all road users in Birmingham's evolving city centre.
