There is an obligation for the LA to sign a Traffic Order (Bus Lane) and lack of such signs is a get out of jail card.

Unfortunateky for you, you have paid. If you considered the signing inadeqaute you should have appealed the PCN to the LA and then when they reject take the matter to the Adjudicator whose word is final.

They may well have a photo of you in lane ?

dvd

from tinyurl.com/onrddpd (a website giving information for those wishing to challenge penalty charge notices):

"Many penalty charge notices are cancelled because a bus lane is not marked correctly.

"Remember an incorrectly marked bus lane is not enforceable."

(The required markings include signs by the road and markings on the road.)

However, the OP has paid up, so presumably it's too late now.

Got a google streeview link?

The PCN grounds for appeal advice is invalid, you can appeal on any grounds you think resonable, but since you have allready paid its a mute point

About 30000 drivers were reimbursed by Essex County Council for incorrectly issued bus lane fines due to poor signage in Colchester last year.

This was due to a major muck up of town centre traffic schemes between town and county councils where the town council introduced a scheme which the county authority overuled after a week or two. The town council then claimed poverty and just went round with some grey paint painting out signs but leaving the confusing road markings. In the mentime the County carried on enforcing the lanes......They were supposed to have sorted out all the signage back in January but they may have missed something.....Give Colchester Bus Lane fines a Google and you'll find a wealth of info.