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City of London police offer red-light cyclists a 'sin bin' video instead of a £50 fine

City of London Police issued 1,315 fines to cyclists for jumping red lights between April 2025 and March 2026 — more than twice the previous year's figure.
City of London Police issued 1,315 fines to cyclists for jumping red lights between April 2025 and March 2026 — more than twice the previous year's figure.
A roadside 'sin bin' set up by City of London Police, where cyclists caught jumping red lights can watch a 47-second safety film featuring visually impaired women's experiences instead of paying a £50 fine.
A roadside 'sin bin' set up by City of London Police, where cyclists caught jumping red lights can watch a 47-second safety film featuring visually impaired women's experiences instead of paying a £50 fine.

City of London Police has launched a scheme giving cyclists caught running red lights the option of watching a 47-second road safety film rather than paying a £50 fixed penalty notice on the spot. Officers set up a 40-inch television under a pop-up canopy at known hotspots, with a mat marked 'time out zone' positioned in front of the screen. During 2025-26, the force handed out 1,315 fixed penalty notices to cyclists — more than twice the 643 issued the previous year. Sergeant Stuart Ford, cycle team lead, stressed that fines remain available: officers retain full discretion over when to use them.

The film depicts a cyclist being hit by a bus and includes two visually impaired women describing the danger posed by red-light runners.

It ends with a pointed message: 'A red light is not a suggestion — it's someone else's safety.'

Shadow transport minister Greg Smith insisted City of London Police must be 'commended for cracking down on these dangerous and antisocial road users.'

MoreDaily MailRoad safety clip or £50 fine? That's what one police force is asking rule-breaking cyclistsThe IndependentLondon police introduce new punishment for cyclists who run red lightsBBC News - LondonRed light jumping cyclists offered film over fineThe TelegraphCyclists who break law put on ‘time out’ by police - The TelegraphLBCCyclists who jump red lights given ‘time out’ and made to watch videos instead of being hit with finesEvening StandardCity of London cyclists 'sin bin': Police reveal bold new approach for red light jumpersCity of London PoliceCity Police launches ‘Sin Bin’ for red-light jumping cyclists - City of London Police
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