Red light jumping cyclists offered film over fine

Cyclists caught riding through red lights in the Square Mile will now be given the chance to watch a "hard-hitting road safety film" rather than face an immediate fine.

City of London Police hopes its "STOP, LOOK, LISTEN, CHANGE" initiative will tackle dangerous riding through education by having cyclists watch a short film showcasing the consequences of jumping red lights.

The force said officers would retain full discretion during patrols, and fines would still be issued where deemed necessary.

It comes as figures reveal the force issued 1,315 fixed penalty notices to cyclists during 2025/26 - more than double the 643 handed out during the previous financial year.

The footage includes testimony from a cyclist struck by a bus, alongside warnings about the dangers posed to blind and visually impaired pedestrians.

Sgt Stuart Ford, cycle team lead at the City of London Police, said the scheme was designed to make riders pause and "think about the consequences of their behaviour".

"We want cyclists to stop and take a moment to see the danger, listen to the experiences of those who have been affected," he said.

"Going through a red light might save a few seconds, but it can change someone's life forever."

He added: "Cyclists will not always be offered this option – where enforcement is necessary, we will enforce."

The scheme builds on the work of the force's Cycle Response Unit, which was relaunched in 2023 to provide a visible policing presence across the City.

Alongside tackling road traffic offences, the team targets phone snatching, drug crimes, and illegal e-bikes.

Tijs Broeke, chair of the City of London Police Authority Board, said: "People feel strongly about cyclists running red lights, and rightly so. It can put pedestrians at risk, particularly those who are blind or visually impaired.

"This initiative combines education with enforcement to make the Square Mile's streets safer for everyone."

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