Footage taken on Oxford Street on Wednesday morning shows e-bike riders continuing through the newly pedestrianised stretch, despite signs warning that the road is closed. At the junction with Harewood Place, large 'Road Closed', 'CCTV in operation' and 'Diversion' signs are in place, but cyclists can be seen weaving between cones and barriers as they make their way through.
Enforcement officer's attempts
One TfL enforcement officer, wearing an orange high-visibility jacket, attempts to stop several riders and direct them towards the diversion. One cyclist heeds the warning and turns up Holles Street, while others ride straight past. In a later exchange, a hooded man on a Lime bike attempts to cross the junction, prompting the officer to intervene. The officer gestures for him to turn up Holles Street and follow the diversion, but the man responds and continues on his way regardless.
The scenes come as Oxford Street's pedestrianisation gets underway, with the footage highlighting the challenge of enforcing the new restrictions. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has campaigned for the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street since 2016, with plans to eventually transform the area into a plaza-style space featuring cafes, outdoor tables and restaurants.
Geofencing technology and fines
E-bike operators, including Lime, Voi and Forest, have employed strict geofencing technology alongside TfL in an attempt to stop riders using the 1km stretch. When a rental e-bike crosses the virtual boundary into the pedestrian zone, its motor assistance gradually cuts out. However, the technology does not prevent riders from manually pedalling their bikes, meaning they can still break the rules and ride through the area, just without motor assistance.
Under TfL rules, cyclists caught breaking the ban face a £160 Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). The fine is reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days, but increases if it is not paid or challenged within 28 days. No fines have been issued so far, it is understood, with enforcement officers initially focusing on providing advice and guidance.
Reactions and next steps
Bike campaigners have welcomed the plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street, describing them as a positive step towards reducing traffic and improving the West End. But they have also stressed the urgent need for safe alternative cycling routes for the thousands of people who previously used the street each day. The London Cycling Campaign (LCC) has also called for greater awareness of the new rules among cyclists to help minimise potential conflicts as the changes take effect.
A spokesperson for Transport for London said: "As the highway authority for Oxford St, TfL has the legal powers to enforce traffic signs and regulations, working with the Police and other relevant enforcement partners where appropriate. As with any major change in road layout and rules, TfL's approach is to engage and educate first. As more people become aware of the changes, and as more greenery and seating are installed within the traffic-free area, the number of incidents is expected to decrease. We will maintain an active presence of enforcement officers. Cyclists, e-scooter users and pedicabs will be physically banned from entering pedestrianised sections on Oxford Street with barriers. There will be signs asking people to walk their bikes in the traffic-free zone and a heightened TfL enforcement officer presence. TfL will continue to monitor and review the design of the scheme to ensure that there is adequate signage, specially designed physical measures and sufficient on-street enforcement. Strict geo-fencing is in place for dockless e-bikes that enter the traffic-free zone, which will automatically cut or reduce power for dockless e-bikes should they attempt to enter the traffic free area. TfL will monitor and work with suppliers to remove any e-bikes found in the area."
As the restrictions enter their first week, some cyclists may still be unaware of the changes, but footage shows riders continuing past enforcement officers and clear diversion signs, despite efforts to enforce the new rules.
