Cyclists who run red lights in London are set to face tougher penalties including higher fines.
The City of London force is considering using community protection warnings and notices to tackle what officials described as ‘dangerous, antisocial and nuisance cycling behaviours’ in the capital.
The warnings would allow the force to issue fines larger than the standard £50 fixed penalty notices.
A recent study found more than 50 per cent of London cyclists see red lights as optional, BBC News reported.
It comes as more Londoners are beginning to take up cycling on rental bikes amid Tube strikes and traffic jams in the city.
This month saw a 75 per cent increase in the use of Lime and Forest bikes during the latest industrial action.
Some have even described the recent cycling boom as threatening to turn London into ‘Hanoi’.
A paper presented to the City of London Corporation’s Streets and Walkways Sub-Committee this week said complaints from the public were mostly about cyclists running red lights at busy junctions, e-bikes being ridden dangerously, and bikes ridden on pavements and pedestrianised areas.
Cyclists who run red lights in London are set to face tougher penalties including higher fines
A recent boom in cycling in London has led to some comparing the capital to ‘Hanoi
At the meeting, common councillor Jacqueline Webster asked whether more could be done to promote a ‘culture of courteousness’ among cyclists, while residents have also raised concerns about poor parking of dockless bikes.
Bruce McVean, the Corporation’s assistant director for policy and projects, said work was ongoing with e-bike rental companies and TfL.
He said: ‘Things are getting better, but there’s more work to be done.’
Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan has launched a campaign calling on more cyclists to obey the law.
A poster by TfL reads: ‘Cyclists must always stop at red lights. Follow the rules.’
TfL has launched a campaign to raise awareness of the Highway Code for cyclists and pedestrians.
A London-based survey found that only 16 per cent of respondents could correctly identify five of the rules regarding cycling.
The rules included whether cyclists should stop at zebra crossings and red lights.
Data showed that cyclist and pedestrians were more at risk on London roads than drivers.
