Wandsworth Council has begun issuing fixed penalty notices to cyclists who exceed the speed limit on Tooting Bec Common, a popular commuter route in south-west London. Parks and Events Police, employed by the council, have been handing out £50 fines to riders breaking the 12mph limit, according to local reports.
One resident, Ed Owen, said he was stopped by officers while cycling to work last week. He was told a speed camera had recorded him travelling at 16mph and was issued a fine. Mr Owen maintained he is always careful to avoid other park users, adding that he hoped he was a considerate cyclist, but acknowledged that some riders do behave dangerously.
The route was previously separated into lanes for cyclists and pedestrians but was converted into a shared path a few years ago, he explained. Wandsworth Park Police said they were responding to complaints from the Friends of Tooting Common, who had recently highlighted a particular problem with delivery drivers and urged the council to increase speed checks.
In the UK, there is no general statutory speed limit for bicycles on public roads, as such limits apply only to motorised vehicles. However, some local authorities have historic byelaws that set cycling speed limits in specific areas. Mr Owen described the enforcement as confrontational, suggesting officers could instead cycle around to demonstrate what 12mph looks like.
The move comes amid wider concerns about cycling safety in London’s parks. The Royal Parks charity has issued a code of conduct asking cyclists not to exceed 20mph in places like Regent’s Park, Hyde Park and Richmond Park, following several incidents. In 2022, pedestrian Hilda Griffiths, 81, died after being hit by a cyclist in Regent’s Park; the police closed the case due to little chance of conviction.
A Wandsworth Council spokesperson said: “We want everyone to enjoy our award-winning green spaces, safely and confidently. Too many park users have told us they feel unsafe around speeding delivery riders, illegally modified e-bikes and dangerous or inconsiderate cyclists. Our Parks Police are taking action to protect many people, including considerate cyclists, who use our parks responsibly. Officers follow an educational-first approach... and only as a last resort will they issue Fixed Penalty Notices for dangerous speeding and unauthorised cycling.”
