Tower Bridge closure: Police issue fines to cyclists who refuse to walk bikes

Fined: Police have issued on-the-spot penalties for cyclists who ride over Tower Bridge without dismounting Rob Watkins

Police are dishing out fines to cyclists for flouting a riding a ban on Tower Bridge while the road is shut for repairs.

City of London officers have been spotted serving penalty notices to riders at the Victorian landmark following complaints they are pedalling across when they shouldn't be.

One man said it appeared police were “making a killing” by forking out fines.

But police said they were unable to say how many cyclists had been issued with on-the spot penalties since Saturday.

Cyclists are allowed cross the bridge using the pathway by dismounting and walking along with their bikes while it is closed for resurfacing work.

On duty: Traffic cops policing Tower Bridge which is shut for three months for repairs
@CrustyTrafpol

But furious pedestrians said clear signs were being ignored as cyclists hurtled “dangerously” across the road.

However, some have dismissed the problem as being caused by "a handful of idiots”.

Police said they would continue to monitor the situation and work with Transport for London and the City of London Corporation to ensure the suggested alternative route for cyclists to cross the river is followed.

Transport for London today said it had also stepped up staff patrols on the bridge to stop cyclists speeding along the pathway.

A spokesman said four Road and Transport Enforcement Officers would be stationed on the bridge, along with two at each end, at all times.

A 56-year-old financial services worker told the Standard: “There are clear signs telling them to dismount. It’s really very busy with human traffic.

“One woman on a bike actually told me to get out of her way as she was cycling towards me.

Closed: Cyclists are told to dismount and so wheel their bikes across the bridge.
@roggys Twitter

“There is no-one there enforcing the rules. It is a risk as it’s really busy in the mornings and at rush hour time. Somebody is going to get hurt.

“Of course there are cyclists following the rules and dismounting but there are many that are not.”

Labour’s City and East London Assembly Member Unmesh Desai said he spotted riders weaving in and out of vulnerable pedestrians.

He said: “It’s really important that TfL and the Corporation challenge the minority of cyclists who are not dismounting whilst crossing the pedestrian walkway on Tower Bridge.

“I personally witnessed several cyclists weaving in and out between vulnerable pedestrians on the bridge yesterday evening and feel that there is a high risk of a serious accident unless enforcement action is taken.”

A TfL spokesman said: “Cyclists will not be able to get past on their bikes without being stopped by our Road and Transport Enforcement Officers.

Cngestion: Roads have been clogged with increased traffic since the closure
Leni Candan (Twitter)

“Since we were made aware that some cyclists were riding along the footpath, we have stationed four of our officers on the bridge. There will also be two officers on duty at each end.”

Road and Transport Enforcement Officers assist the police across the capital to crack down on illegal and inconsiderate behaviour on key traffic routes.

Since the landmark was closed on Saturday, streets surrounding Tower Bridge have been heavy with traffic as drivers and cyclists find alternative routes to cross the river.

Southwark council leader Peter John said Transport for London needed to open up more roads free of the congestion charge following a flood of “justified complaints”.

And furious bus passengers have also been warned their journeys have been affected by added congestion as a result of the closure.

But despite the problems, TfL bosses have reportedly suggested the increased traffic is not as bad as first feared.

Community website se1 said TfL network assessment manager Mufu Durowoju as a community council meeting on Wednesday evening.

Tower Bridge closure October 2016

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In comments quoted by se1 she said: “My understanding is that the congestion has not been as bad as we initially thought except along Jamaica Road where there has been an increase in congestion.”

A Transport for London spokesman said: "Broadly, it is as we expected and planned for. Overall traffic’s been busy but flowing."

The closure has divided reaction on social media with some happy the bridge has become traffic-free while others bemoan rat runs that have sprung up as a result.

Richard Baylis tweeted: "It's the best thing to happen to Tower Bridge road since I moved here. No car horns, no speeding cars, no idiots jumping red lights."

But one user shot back: "I'm getting lots more lorries going down Tanner St which is ridiculous as it's a small road!"

Repairs to the bridge include resurfacing and waterproofing the road and replacing the timber decking underneath that has reached the end of its life.

It will remain shut to traffic until the new year.

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