The Metropolitan Police issued over 2,000 fixed penalty notices (FPNs) to cyclists, LGV and car drivers during the first three days of its road safety crackdown in London this week
A combined total of 1,392 FPNs were issued to car and LGV drivers for offences such as skipping red lights, crossing advance stop lines reserved for cyclists and using a mobile phone whilst driving.
Cyclists were issued with a further 755 FPNs for offences such as jumping red lights, having incorrect or no lights, and cycling on the pavement.
The crackdown, known as Operation Safeway, began on Monday (25 October) and has seen around 2,500 officers police busy junctions around London during the morning and afternoon rush hours.
Operations lead Superintendent, Rob Revill of the Safer Transport Command, said the initiative aims to “reduce the appalling number of people who die or are injured on London's roads each year”.
Police officers are looking out for any road user who commits an offence, and have also made 28 arrests for reasons including dangerous driving, drink driving and driving while disqualified.
Safe behavior
Chief superintendent Glyn Jones of the Metropolitan Police Service Traffic Command said: “This operation is aimed at getting all road users to behave more safely on the roads, for their benefit and the benefit of others.”
The Metropolitan Police has identified 166 junctions to target during the operation, prioritised based on how many collisions occur.
“My hope is that as the operation continues compliance with the law and the highway code will improve and the need to issue fixed penalty notices will diminish,” Jones added.
Road users stopped during the operation, including pedestrians, are also being handed advisory leaflets.
The Transport Select Committee said it will holding a follow-up inquiry into cyclist deaths next week.
