The micromobility industry has welcomed the UK Government’s decision to give Transport for London (TfL) and London boroughs new enforcement powers to fine vehicles caught in mandatory cycle lanes and cycle tracks.
The new powers will take effect from 27 June 2022.
This fine is intended to help improve safety and the confidence of cyclists as part of TfL’s Cycling Action Plan and Vision Zero goal to eliminate death and serious injury on public roads.
Alan Clarke, Lime’s Senior Director of Public Policy for Northern and Eastern Europe, told Zag Daily: “Cars are the main cause of road accidents and take up significant space in urban centres globally. We want to contribute to future cities that are people-centric, not car-centric, and this is certainly a step in the right direction.
“We know the best way to improve the safety of bike and scooter riders is through improved cycling infrastructure, and that our riders feel more confident and in control of their own safety when riding in bike lanes, separate from cars. We also see far higher ride numbers on roads that have them so TfL giving power to boroughs to enforce this more strictly is something we fully support.”
TfL will be able to issue fixed penalty notices (FPNs) of up to £160 to drivers caught breaking the law. Most motor vehicles are already prohibited from driving within or crossing the white lines of cycle lanes marked by a solid white line, which until now has only been enforced by the police.
Road dangers remain a barrier to people cycling with more than half of Londoners choosing not to cycle because of concerns over road traffic, according to TfL.
Duncan Robertson, Dott’s General Manager for UK and Ireland, told Zag: “We know that safety is a major consideration for new riders, and this initiative from TfL will help to protect those that choose micromobility for travelling. We hope this encourages more people to try our e-scooters and e-bikes for the first time, helping London to become a cleaner and more pleasant city to move around in.”
TfL will initially use existing CCTV cameras to enforce contraventions in cycle lanes and cycle tracks at key locations across its road network.
PACTS Executive Director David Davies commented: “We are pleased to see better enforcement of cycle lanes. If the warm weather and train strikes continue there will only be more people using bikes and so this comes at the right time.”
Georgia Yexley, General Manager for UK and Ireland at TIER, added: “Creating an environment in which more Londoners feel comfortable getting around by bike is crucial if we are to meet sustainability and active travel goals in the capital. It is great to see TfL take a direct role in the proper enforcement of existing cycling infrastructure, and we would love to see the continued investment in protected space for bikes and e-scooters.”
