The fines are hoped to improve cyclist safety and boost cyclist numbers
(Picture: Transport for London)London drivers caught veering into cycle lanes will now be fined, thanks to new authority given to Transport for London (TfL) by the Government.
Fines will be issued from June 27 for drivers caught within, or crossing, mandatory cycle lanes and cycle tracks in a bid to improve cyclist safety and encourage more people to pick up the mode of transport.
The cost of the fine will be the same as any other red route penalty charge notice (PCN), so it will be £160 at full price and reduced by 50 per cent to £80 if paid within 14 days.
Drivers will be monitored by TfL using existing CCTV cameras , the announcement on Wednesday said.
Most drivers are already banned from driving within or crossing white lines that mark a cycle lane, but this has so far only been enforced by police.
“From 27 June 2022, we may issue a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) to drivers…if you drive over the white line of a cycle lane when not permitted [or] if you stop or park in a cycle lane when not permitted,” TfL’s website states.
Drivers are already banned from stopping or parking in a cycle lane when not permitted.
The move is part of TfL’s action plan, Vision Zero, to eliminate death and serious injury on London’s road networks.
New powers granted to TfL and London boroughs by the Government allow them 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.
More than half of Londoners choose not to cycle because of road safety concerns, TfL said.
“The new enforcement powers will help protect designated space for cyclists and make the capital’s roads more attractive for Londoners to cycle on, helping to build on the huge increases in cycling seen in the capital since the start of the coronavirus pandemic,” TfL said.
TfL spokesperson Siwan Hayward said the new fines will help to encourage “a green and sustainable future for London” by making walking and cycling more accessible and safe.
London Cycling Campaign senior policy and development officer Tom Bogdanowicz said it is crucial that the new law is backed by camera enforcement, just as cameras are currently used to keep bus lanes clear.
“It will reduce road danger and further enhance the great value for money that investment in the cycling network brings.”
Only rental e-scooters within a trial area and pedal bicycles are legally allowed in cycle lanes.
Drivers can cross the solid white line of a cycle lane if turning left or accessing private property.
