Fines to be handed out for drivers crossing into cycle lanes in capital

LONDON has seen a new rule implemented which is likely to divide drivers from this week.

All motor vehicles, under new legislation, will now be fined if they drive within or cross the white lines of cycle lanes.

The PCN (penalty charge notice) value will be the same as any other red route PCN, so it will be £160 at full price and reduced by 50% to £80 if paid within 14 days. Some councils across England have already adopted the rule for safety reasons.

A Transport for London spokesperson 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.”

Under the new rules, cyclists and rental e-scooters within a trial area will be legally permitted to use the lanes, with motorbikes, scooters and other e-scooters not allowed. Existing CCTV will be used to implement the rules with the hope that it will make the capital more green.

The aim of the new rules is to ensure cyclists and permitted e-scooter users are kept safe.

It is also in the hope that protecting users of greener travel will encourage more people to take up more sustainable modes of transport.

Siwan Hayword from TfL 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.

“We want to ensure a green and sustainable future for London and to do this we must continue to make walking and cycling round our city safe and accessible to all Londoners.”