Red-light cyclists in London are being pulled into a roadside “sin bin.” That’s British slang for the penalty box.
Video further below 👇
Inside, instead of a ticket, riders watch a short road safety film.
A Film Instead of a Fine at Bank Junction
On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, City of London Police set up a gazebo at Bank Junction in central London, England.
Riders caught going through a red light were offered a short film instead of an on-the-spot fine of about $66 (£50). The force calls the scheme “STOP, LOOK, LISTEN, CHANGE.”
The film includes testimony from a cyclist struck by a bus. It also shows the danger to blind and visually impaired pedestrians when riders don’t stop.
Fines Doubled in a Year
The force issued 1,315 fixed penalty notices to cyclists between April 2025 and March 2026, more than double the 643 the year before.
“Going through a red light might save a few seconds, but it can change someone’s life forever,” said Sgt Stuart Ford, the force’s cycle team lead.
The film doesn’t replace the fine. Ford said cyclists “will not always be offered this option.”
Blind Pedestrians at the Center
Running red lights “can put pedestrians at risk, particularly those who are blind or visually impaired,” said Tijs Broeke, chair of the City of London Police Authority Board.
In April 2026, the force ran a roadshow where red-light riders could talk with visually impaired people or take the £50 fine.
On another London street, a cyclist and a pedestrian clashed on camera.
Cycling in the City of London rose by more than 50% from 2022 to 2024.
Watch: Red-Light Cyclists Offered a Film Instead of a Fine
A short news clip covers the new option for riders at Bank Junction.
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