City of London cyclists face video option for red light offences
Offenders can watch a 47-second road safety film or pay a £50 fine under a new police initiative.
City of London police are implementing a new 'sin bin' approach for cyclists who run red lights. Under this initiative, offenders will be presented with a choice: watch a 47-second road safety video or pay a £50 fixed penalty notice.
Educational Video Content
The road safety video features personal testimonials from two visually impaired women discussing their experiences with road safety. It also includes CCTV footage depicting serious accidents involving bicycles. The intention is to make cyclists pause and consider the potential dangers and consequences of their actions, as stated by Sergeant Stuart Ford, cycle team lead at City of London police.
Sergeant Ford described the initiative as an 'additional tool for our officers, reflecting our approach of engagement, education and enforcement.' He clarified that this does not replace traditional enforcement and that cyclists will not always be offered this option. Officers will use their discretion on when it is appropriate to offer the video, with enforcement remaining an option where necessary.
Enforcement Figures
This new approach comes as police have increased their efforts to fine cyclists for running red lights. Between April 2025 and March 2026, City of London police issued 1,315 fixed penalty notices to cyclists. This figure represents more than double the 643 fines issued in the previous financial year.
The intervention will be integrated into routine patrols and operations. Officers will have the authority to decide when the 'time out zone' is an appropriate measure, with the ultimate goal of improving road safety for all users within the City.
Questions this report answers
01What are the options for cyclists caught running a red light in the City of London?
Cyclists caught running a red light can choose between watching a 47-second road safety video or paying a £50 fixed penalty notice. The video includes personal accounts and accident footage to educate riders on the dangers of traffic violations.
02How many fixed penalty notices were issued to cyclists last year?
City of London police issued 1,315 fixed penalty notices to cyclists between April 2025 and March 2026. This is a significant increase compared to the 643 fines issued in the preceding financial year.
03Is the new 'sin bin' approach replacing fines for cyclists?
No, the new approach is an additional tool for engagement, education, and enforcement. Police officers will use their discretion to offer the video option, but traditional enforcement and fines will still be applied where necessary.
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