Cyclists ignore pedestrianisation of Oxford Street – could they face penalty?

London’s busiest street has officially closed to traffic, but not everyone is on foot as some cyclists are still pedalling down Oxford Street.

A half-mile section of the iconic shopping street from Orchard Street to Great Portland Street has been blocked off to traffic, as of yesterday (October 26).

Mayor Sadiq Khan has been campaigning for the change since 2016, hoping it could put the street on a par with New York’s Times Square.

The pedestrianised section will eventually be turned into a piazza with outdoor tables at restaurants and cafes.

However, not everyone has wholeheartedly embraced the transformation, with some complaining of bus route changes and traffic jams, while bikes are still whizzing down the street.

Some Lime bike-riding commuters might be unaware of the rule change, while others appear to be willing to risk it – even if it comes with a fine.

Unfortunately for those who missed the big ‘no bike’ signs, not knowing won’t get you out of an £160 Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) should Transport for London (TfL) catch you.

This is reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days but increased if you fail to pay or challenge the fine within 28 days.

One cyclist speaking to the Daily Mail claimed they were unaware of the change, which had made him late for work.

‘It’s very unexpected. I work on Oxford Street, so I’m now running late for work,’ he said. ‘It reduces the danger of fatalities or people colliding with vehicles.

‘So I would say it’s a good thing, but right now, I’m just selfish, but I will come around to it eventually.’

The vehicle ban will be lifted between midnight and 7am to allow for deliveries to the shops.

New bollards have been installed, and security guards are patrolling the area, but still some are risking the run.

Reportedly, the guards were waving down cyclists and forcing them to dismount, but many commuters and delivery drivers just sped past them.

One man allegedly got back onto his bike after security had turned their backs, while Lime bikes are said to have made changes to support the barricade.

A spokesperson told The Standard: ‘We’ve worked closely with TfL and Westminster City Council on the changes being made to Oxford Street. From today, the Lime app reflects the new no-cycling rules on Oxford Street.

‘Our app now treats the pedestrianised zone as a no-riding zone. If a rider enters, a warning sounds and their e-assist slows down before switching off, and they won’t be able to end their trip there.’

This is only the first step in the plans for Oxford Street, with new trees, updated signage, and two new public squares set to be built.

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