Using a route restricted to certain vehicles (code 33)
Contravention code 33 — "Using a route restricted to certain vehicles" — is one of the standard moving-traffic contraventions that councils enforce under the Traffic Management Act 2004. The "bus gate" code, and one of the highest-volume moving-traffic contraventions in the country — in some London boroughs it is the single largest source of PCNs. A camera catches a car passing a point open only to buses, taxis or cycles, often a short gate mid-street with little warning. A council PCN is a statutory civil penalty, not a private invoice, so it must be challenged through the proper channel within the deadlines — but codes are misapplied more often than drivers expect, and a rejected challenge can be taken, free, to an independent adjudicator.
- Contravention code
- 33
- What it is
- Using a route restricted to certain vehicles
- Category
- Moving-traffic contravention
- Penalty level
- Higher rate (camera-enforced)
- Where it applies
- Camera-enforced — in London, and in councils outside London that adopted moving-traffic powers (rolling out since 2022)
- Typical penalty
- £160/£140 in London, around £70 elsewhere — halved if you pay within 14 days
- Appeal route
- Challenge the council → Notice to Owner → London Tribunals (London) or the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (England & Wales)
Councils may word code 33 slightly differently. The code and the evidence on your notice are what define the alleged contravention — always use the official channel and reference printed on it.
What the letter after the 33 means
Your notice may show code 33 with a letter after it. The suffix narrows the contravention to a specific circumstance — appeal against the exact code printed on your PCN, not the bare number.
- 33j
- camera-enforced
- 33b
- buses only
- 33c
- buses and cycles only
- 33e
- buses, cycles and taxis only
- 33f
- buses and taxis only
- 33g
- local buses only
- 33h
- local buses and cycles only
- 33i
- local buses, cycles and taxis only
- 33k
- local buses and taxis only
- 33q
- tramcars and local buses only
- 33r
- tramcars only
- 33s
- tramcars and buses only
Grounds for challenging a code 33 PCN
Pick the statutory ground that genuinely fits your situation — including the ones below that are specific to code 33.
- The contravention did not occur — for example you were parked or driving lawfully, a valid ticket, permit or exemption applied, or the restriction was not in force at that time.
- The signs, road markings or the Traffic Regulation Order did not comply with the regulations (TSRGD), so the restriction was not lawfully indicated.
- There was a procedural error — the PCN, the Notice to Owner, or the statutory wording or timing was defective.
- You were not the owner/keeper when it was issued, the vehicle had been taken without consent, or you are a hire firm with a valid hiring agreement.
- The penalty exceeded the amount applicable in the circumstances, or there are compelling mitigating circumstances the authority should consider.
- The signage was inadequate, obscured or gave no reasonable opportunity to turn off before the restriction began.
- Your vehicle is within the permitted class for that gate — the suffix on your notice records which class applies.
- You entered while following a diversion, temporary works signage or the direction of a police officer.
- The restriction was not in force at that time — many bus gates operate only during specified hours.
How to appeal, step by step
- 1
Match your evidence to code 33
Pick the ground that genuinely fits "Using a route restricted to certain vehicles" and collect proof — sign and marking photos, permit, ticket or the camera images.
- 2
Challenge within 14 days, then make formal representations
An early challenge protects the 50% discount; if a Notice to Owner follows, respond on a statutory ground within 28 days.
- 3
Appeal free to the tribunal if rejected
London Tribunals in London, the Traffic Penalty Tribunal elsewhere in England & Wales — you do not pay first.
Code 33 PCNs — frequently asked questions
What does PCN contravention code 33 mean?
Code 33 is the national civil-enforcement code for "Using a route restricted to certain vehicles" — a moving-traffic contravention under the Traffic Management Act 2004. Some authorities add an official letter suffix that pins down the exact circumstances — for code 33 the published variants are 33j (camera-enforced), 33b (buses only), 33c (buses and cycles only), 33e (buses, cycles and taxis only), 33f (buses and taxis only), 33g (local buses only), 33h (local buses and cycles only), 33i (local buses, cycles and taxis only), 33k (local buses and taxis only), 33q (tramcars and local buses only), 33r (tramcars only) and 33s (tramcars and buses only). The code on your notice, together with the camera images or the enforcement officer's observation, is what defines the alleged contravention.
How much is a code 33 PCN, and is there a discount?
The penalty is £160 in inner London (Band A) or £140 in outer London (Band B), and typically around £70 elsewhere in England. Most councils freeze the 50% discount while they consider a challenge made within the first 14 days — so challenge promptly rather than paying if you believe the PCN is wrong.
Can I appeal a code 33 PCN?
Yes. Challenge it with the council first — informally and as soon as possible. If that is rejected and a Notice to Owner is served, make formal representations within 28 days. If those are rejected too, you can appeal for free to an independent adjudicator — London Tribunals in London, or the Traffic Penalty Tribunal elsewhere in England & Wales — and you do not have to pay the penalty before the tribunal decides.
Can AppealIQ write my code 33 appeal letter?
Yes. Enter your PCN details and the ground that genuinely fits, and AppealIQ drafts a formal, statute-aware challenge letter you can send to the council or use at the tribunal. Your first letter each calendar month is free; after that, extra letters are £2.99 each, paid once — there is no subscription.
What do the letter suffixes on code 33 mean (33j, 33b, 33c, 33e, 33f, 33g, 33h, 33i, 33k, 33q, 33r, 33s)?
They narrow the contravention to a specific circumstance: 33j (camera-enforced), 33b (buses only), 33c (buses and cycles only), 33e (buses, cycles and taxis only), 33f (buses and taxis only), 33g (local buses only), 33h (local buses and cycles only), 33i (local buses, cycles and taxis only), 33k (local buses and taxis only), 33q (tramcars and local buses only), 33r (tramcars only) and 33s (tramcars and buses only). The suffix is set by the authority that issued the notice, so appeal against the exact code printed on your PCN — not the bare number.
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Code 33 can be issued by any council in England & Wales. Start from your area:
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Not legal advice. A council PCN is a statutory penalty — never ignore it; use the channel and deadlines printed on your notice.