Red Light Does Not Mean Stop To This Cyclist


Near miss with pedestrian filmed near Putney Bridge

A pedestrian patiently waits to cross the road by Putney Bridge station and, when the lights flash green, sets off only to have a cyclist carry on through the red lights with a collision narrowly avoided.

The incident was captured on the helmet mounted video camera of another cyclist.

The pedestrian appears to be unharmed.

Under the Road Traffic Act 1988 s.36 and the Traffic Signs Regulations and Directions and Directions 2002 regulations 10 and 36(1), road users must not cross the stop line when the traffic lights are red. This offence, also known as ‘red light jumping’, applies to cyclists as well as motorists. The maximum penalty for red light jumping is a £1,000 fine and six penalty points endorsed on the driver’s licence however, in most cases, a driver will get a Fixed Penalty Notice (On-the-Spot Fine) of £30[1] whilst the maximum would only ever be imposed if the Fixed Penalty Notice is contested and taken to court. The punishment is also applicable to cyclists who, if caught, can be issued a Fixed Penalty Notice of £30.'

December 10, 2015