The Metropolitan Police Service has extended Operation Safeway by another week in a bid to make sure all road users obey the law of the land.
Operation Safeway launched on 25 November and was due to run until the 3 January 2014. It came in response to a series of cyclist deaths on the capital’s roads, and saw 2,500 officers from the MPS Traffic Command and Safer Transport Command deployed to around 170 junctions across London.
Detective chief superintendent Glyn Jones of the Met’s Road Traffic Unit, said: "The public's response to the operation has been really encouraging. We've noticed that road users are generally behaving in a much safer manner, and we have issued fewer fixed penalty notices as the operation has progressed.
"However, a lot of people have taken time off over Christmas and we're really keen to remind them to stay safe on the roads as they resume their journeys to and from work today. This week, officers will be out again at key junctions, advising road users and enforcing the law where necessary. We want 2014 to be a safe year for all road users."
Results
The road safety operation saw cyclists hit with 4,085 FPNs or reported for summons in the period to 3 January.
The most common offences included not having lights on their bicycles at night (1,598 FPNs/reports for summons) and contravening traffic signals (1,225).
Around 900 FPNs were cancelled when the cyclists agreed to attend designated points subsequently to show that they had now fitted lights to their bikes.
Motorist were issued with 9,733 FPNs or reported for summons during the period. Failing to wear a seatbelt (2,437) and using a mobile phone while driving (2,424) were the most frequent offences. However, 1,056 motorists also contravened traffic signals.
- A spokeswoman for London Councils has said that in regards plans to mandate cycle safety equipment for those within the London Lorry Control Scheme a consultation would start this month. She added that it would be targeted at the existing London Lorry Control scheme permit holders and the groups that represent the industry such as the FTA and RHA, as well as other groups that represent London retailers, businesses and the construction industry.
