City of London police have unveiled a new approach to crack down on red-light offenders in the city — by putting them in 'time out'. Cyclists caught running red lights will now be thrown in the 'sin bin' where they will be given the chance to watch a road safety film.
While the new method will not replace fines, the force said on certain operations — where police have identified offending hotspots — a film will be shown instead. A television linked to a laptop will be set up on a mat on the side of the road, with the phrase 'time out zone' written on it.
Choice of video or fine
Cyclists will have the option of watching a 47-second video or receiving a £50 fixed penalty notice. The video, seen by The Times, includes interviews with two visually impaired women speaking about their experiences and CCTV footage of serious accidents involving bicycles.
Sergeant Stuart Ford, cycle team lead at City of London police, said: "We want cyclists to stop and take a moment to see the danger, listen to the experiences of those who have been affected and think about the consequences of their behaviour.
"This does not replace enforcement or mean all cyclists who go through a red light will avoid a fine. It is an additional tool for our officers, reflecting our approach of engagement, education and enforcement."
Officer discretion in enforcement
He added: "The intervention will be incorporated into our patrols and operations, with officers using their discretion on when it is appropriate. Cyclists will not always be offered this option. Where enforcement is necessary, we will enforce."
According to a study by Thinks Insight and Strategy, around 52 per cent of London cyclists run red lights, rising to 58% for daily commuters.
Rise in fines issued
Police have ramped up their efforts to fine cyclists who run red lights in the city. Officers issued 1,315 fixed penalty notices (£50 fines) to cyclists between April 2025 and March 2026. This was more than double the 643 fines issued during the previous financial year, averaging about 25 fines per week.
Greg Smith, the shadow transport minister, said: "Cyclists jumping red lights and failing to follow the rules of the road are an absolute menace and danger to vulnerable pedestrians, fellow cyclists, motorists and all law-abiding road users. City of London police must be commended for cracking down on these dangerous and antisocial road users who terrorise our roads, and for ensuring that no one, including cyclists, is above the law."
