New laws designed to ensure cyclist safety are to come into force from 22 June, cycling minister Chris Heaton-Harris has announced today.
Local authorities in England will have new powers to use CCTV to issue penalty charge notices to drivers who park or load illegally in mandatory cycle lanes.
According to Heaton-Harris, with approved camera devices, it will be easier for local authorities with civil parking enforcement powers to take action against cars illegally parked on mandatory cycle lanes, allowing cyclists to complete their journeys without deviating from their path.
“Across the country there has been a surge in the number of people dusting off their old bike from the back of the shed and cycling, or taking journeys on foot, to get from A to B,” said Heaton-Harris.
“Giving local authorities more powers to stop cycle lanes from becoming blocked will make it safer for cyclists.”
The measure is also designed to alleviate pressure on public transport infrastructure, and follows UK transport secretary Grant Shapps’ announcement of a £2bn package for cycling and walking last month to help create a more sustainable transport network.
This included £250m for local authorities in England to create pop-up cycle lanes with protected space for cycling, wider pavements, safer junctions, and bike and bus-only corridors, as well as a bicycle repair scheme that will see up to half a million £50 vouchers issued to people in England.
Read more from CiTTi
https://www.cittimagazine.co.uk/collisions-with-cyclists-double-during-lockdown/
https://www.cittimagazine.co.uk/ai-to-improve-active-travel-safety/
