The Sheffield street, hated by motorists, which is now among England's most notorious fines hotspots
A Sheffield street has emerged as one of the most notorious in the UK when it comes to fining drivers.
Arundel Gate, in the city centre, is included in the list of the 10 roads nationally that have seen the most fines dished out to unsuspecting motorists.
It is placed ninth in a league table published today, with nearly £1million worth of fines accrued by drivers on the route, which passes through the city entre behind the city’s famous Crucible Theatre.
Figures from 2024-2025 show a total of 27,963 fines, costing £ 941,353. That works out at an average of £34 per fine.
The fines on Arundel Gate alone represent 14 per cent of the all the fines issued in the city, the study revealed.
The full list of streets in the list of shame were: Corporation Street, Birmingham (62,725) fines; Oxford St, Manchester (39,521); Cumberland Road, Bristol (37,862); Heaton Lane, Stockport (34,284); Station Parade, Barking (33, 419); George Street, Corby (32,100); Bull Lane, Enfield (30,276); Mount Pleasant, Tunbridge Wells (28,930); Arundel Gate, Sheffield (27,963); Albert Bridge, Chelsea (27,821).
Matt Crole-Rees, motoring expert at Confused.com car insurance, who carried out the study: “Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) are a common concern for many drivers, particularly in busy towns and cities. While fines are meant to keep roads safe, our research shows a growing number of motorists feel the system isn’t always clear or fair.
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“Confusing signage, changing road rules and limited parking all increase the chances of drivers being fined, particularly in busy areas. When restrictions aren’t easy to understand, it becomes harder for drivers to make confident decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
“If you receive a PCN, it’s worth taking the time to check whether it’s been issued correctly, as some fines can be challenged, particularly where signage or road markings are unclear. Our parking sign translator can also help drivers quickly understand what different signs mean, making it easier to know where they can and can’t park. Knowing how PCNs work and what to look out for can help drivers avoid paying more than necessary at a time when the cost of driving is already high.”
Arundel Gate us notorious in Sheffield for its bus gate, which has sparked many complaints since it was introduced.
Sheffield Council has been accused to trying to deter people from visited the city with the measure.
Sam Millard drove through the restriction on Arundel Gate last year after one of his occasional visits to the theatre from his home in Tuxford, Nottinghamshire.
He said he was surprised to get a fine and claimed the huge number being issued indicated “poor signage and poor communication.”
Rotherham publican Andy Lawrence successfully challenged a fine that was issued on Arundel Gate in court claiming “Rotherham people don’t know what one is.”
He suggested warning signs should instead say: ‘No Entry. Buses Only’.
But Sheffield Council said the Traffic Penalty Tribunal, the independent legal body that hears motorists’ appeals, had found on several occasions the design and signage on Arundel Gate met requirements.
Sheffield Council has stated previously that the bus gate was intended to bring down pollution and reduce bus journey times. Surplus income was spent on public transport or highway improvements.
The bus gate was designed in line with guidance provided by the Government for local authorities in the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016, they added.