TfL tightens rules, begins crackdown on motorists who drive in cycle lanes

TfL has tightened up its rules on cycle lanes, and from the end of June it has been fining motor vehicles caught driving in mandatory cycle lanes and cycle tracks.

Transport for London (TfL), as well as all London boroughs, has been given expanded enforcement powers, designed to improve safety for cyclists.

Most vehicles are already prohibited from driving within or crossing the white lines of the cycle lanes that are marked by a solid white line and cycle tracks, which until now have only been enforced by the police.

Transport for London (TfL) is now issuing fines to vehicles that drive within, or cross, the white lines of cycle lanes that are marked by a solid white line and cycle tracks.

In a statement, TfL said: “Cycle lanes play a vital role in keeping people cycling separated from most motor traffic, reducing the risk of collisions, which can cause death and serious injury. Reducing noncompliance will help improve safety and the confidence of cyclists as part of TfL’s Cycling Action Plan and Vision Zero goal of eliminating death and serious injury on the road network.”

The Government has introduced new powers allowing TfL and London boroughs to fine motorists who infringe on cycle lanes and cycle tracks in the same way that they currently do for bus lanes and yellow box junctions. These powers were introduced at the same time as wider national changes giving local authorities in England outside of London the powers to enforce moving traffic contraventions.

Initially, TfL will use existing CCTV cameras to enforce contraventions in cycle lanes and cycle tracks at key locations across its road network.

Siwan Hayward, TfL’s director of compliance, policing, operations and security, said: “We welcome the introduction of the new enforcement powers in London. Protecting designated space for cyclists is essential in keeping them safe and improving confidence to cycle. We will start enforcing in key locations in London to deter drivers contravening the road rules.”

Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: “Enabling more Londoners to walk and cycle continues to be at the heart of the Mayor’s vision to create a healthier, cleaner and more sustainable London for everyone – these new powers will play an important role in that.”

TfL claims it has created 260km of high-quality cycle routes since May 2016. TfL has also made safety improvements to 43 junctions where cyclists were felt to be at risk.