CCTV cameras on cycle lanes to spy on car culprits

Drivers who stray into cycle lanes face fines of £120 under proposed new powers for London councils.

Currently police officers are responsible for issuing fixed penalty notices for the offence but only three were handed out in London in the last year.

Under the new system cycle lanes and cycle boxes at red lights would be monitored by civilian staff looking at CCTV images. This is already the procedure for driving infringements at yellow boxes and illegal turns.

Drivers would be fined even if they inadvertently drifted into a cycle lane when passing a vehicle turning right.

Transport for London believes that issuing thousands of fines - reduced to £60 for prompt payers - would send a strong signal to drivers and encourage more cyclists.

The new powers are expected to be included in a London local authorities bill in November.

Nick Lester, director of transport at London Councils, which represents the 32 boroughs and the City, said: "This will bring enforcement to an area where there isn't any enforcement at the moment. Keeping drivers out of cycle lanes will encourage more people to cycle because there will be a greater perception that it is safe."

The number of cyclists on London's roads has soared more than 80 per cent since 2000. But fatalities and serious injuries are also increasing. Many deaths are caused by left-turning heavy vehicles.

The AA said many cycle lanes were poorly used. Paul Watters, head oftransport policy said: "We would accept some surveillance on the busiest cycle routes if those that were not working were removed."