If you’re strolling through Regent’s Park, you’ll soon be in less danger of having a cyclist hurtling towards you when they shouldn’t be. That’s because some new measures are being introduced to increase safety for pedestrians in the space, which include the installation of new traffic lights, as well as £50 fines for those who skip them.
A trio of traffic lights are being put up in the outer circle of the park, a common route for cyclists, at Monkey Hill Gate, Chester Gate, and Kent Passage. The Royal Parks charity said last week that work had begun to install these, with their addition following a number of crashes and near-miss incidents recorded.
Cyclists who are caught ignoring the red lights at these spaces will also face a fine of £50 by on-site park wardens or the police, in the same way that motor vehicles would be stopped for the same reason.
Speaking on the news, Darren Share, Director of Parks for The Royal Parks, said: “These wonderful, urban green spaces are incredibly important to so many people, and it’s vital that they remain safe and welcoming for everyone. The installation of new, signalised pedestrian crossings on the Outer Circle is an important step in improving safety and helping people move around the park with greater confidence.
“The Royal Parks are shared spaces, and we all have a role to play. By encouraging road users to slow down, respect speed limits and be considerate of others, alongside making practical improvements like these crossings, we hope to foster a culture of mutual respect and create a safer, more enjoyable experience for all visitors.”
As reported by the BBC, the work to install the traffic lights and implement the news measures is expected to be complete by the spring of 2026.