Penalties drop by 97% from 2013/14 to 2015/16
The number of cyclists fined for using the pavements in Merton has dropped sharply, according to new figures.
Only one fixed penalty charge notice was been issued in the borough so far in 2015/16. This is down from 35 in 2013/14 and 12 in 2014/15.
Historically fewer PCNs have been issued in Merton than many other London Boroughs but the decline seems to be general. Across the capital as a whole the number of penalty notices fell from 5,003 in 2013/14 to only 406 to date in 2015/16 despite increasing numbers of cyclists on London’s streets. The figures are calculated until the end of March each year.
Fiona Twycross AM warned that the small minority of cyclists who rode on pavements were putting pedestrians at risk and called for more action to enforce the rules.
Labour Londonwide Assembly Member Fiona Twycross AM said: “With more cyclists than ever on London’s streets the number of fines issued to pavement hopping cyclists has nose-dived. In Merton, fines have dropped 97% in just two years, that’s a real problem, particularly with the number of pedestrians around.
“This kind of thoughtless behaviour from an incredibly small minority of cyclists endangers pedestrians who have a right to feel safe on the footpaths in just the same way cyclists should on the roads.
“It can be incredibly scary for pedestrians to see a bike hurtling down a footpath towards them. Unless there are the police and PCSOs around, out on the beat enforcing these rules then the small minority of offenders will continue to break the rules.”
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January 21, 2016