What time limit applies to serving a bus lane penalty charge notice in London?

A London council have presented me with a CCTV picture of my car in a bus lane (whilst turning left on a T-junction) on Christmas Eve (24/12). I received the letter yesterday (10/01) the letter is dated 09/01. It is my understanding they need to serve me with a notice within 14 days of the offence, by my reckoning the letter was posted 16 days after the offence. Does this make the notice invalid? And if so what should I do to contest it?

It sounds like you have received a penalty charge notice (PCN) from the council which can be enforced in the civil courts but not under criminal law.

The enabling legislation is the London Local Authorities Act 1996 which provides for a London-wide body, the ALG Transport and Environment Committee (ALGTEC), to regulate the scheme across the capital.

ALGTEC rules apply in every borough where bus lane controls are enforced by camera as provided for under the act. The rules are quite clear on timing. Under them you should have been served with a PCN within 14 days but this is only a target date. In fact councils can serve PCNs up to 28 days after the alleged offence.

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