Watch a 47-second road safety clip or pay a £50 fine? That's what one police force 'is asking rule-breaking cyclists'

A London police force will offer rule-breaking cyclists the choice of watching a 47-second road safety clip or paying a £50 fine.

The new approach – dubbed the 'sin bin' – is set to be rolled out on the streets of the capital specifically for cyclists going through red lights or zebra crossings.

City of London police said the initiative would involve a 40-inch television linked to a laptop being set up on a mat on the side of the road at known hotspots.

Sergeant Stuart Ford, cycle team lead at City of London police, told The Times: 'We want cyclists to stop and take a moment to see the danger, listen to the experiences of those who have been affected and think about the consequences of their behaviour.

'This does not replace enforcement or mean all cyclists who go through a red light will avoid a fine. It is an additional tool for our officers, reflecting our approach of engagement, education and enforcement.'

The video reportedly includes interviews with two visually impaired women sharing their experiences – as well as CCTV footage of serious incidents caused by cyclists.

Sergeant Ford clarified cyclists would 'not always be offered the option' of watching the video – with enforcement taking place where 'necessary'.

The initiative forms part of the force's 'stop, look, listen, chance' road safety scheme.

Greg Smith, shadow transport minister, insisted City of London police must be 'commended for cracking down on these dangerous and antisocial road users'.

Transport for London states that cyclists in the UK must legally stop at red traffic lights, and cycling through a red light can result in a £50 fixed penalty notice.

Under the UK Highway Code, cyclists must obey all red traffic lights at standard junctions and pedestrian/cycle crossings.

The only exception is if a dedicated green cycle arrow or signal specifically permits you to proceed.

In London, enforcement has ramped up, with the City of London Police issuing more than 1,300 notices for red-light and safety violations in a single year.

In April it was revealed the force was issuing on average 25 fixed penalty notices to cyclists going through red lights.

Figures also showed the force seized almost one illegal e-bike a day. There were 351 illegal e-bike seizures during the last financial year compared to 326 in the same period the previous year. 

Earlier this month, Helena Bonham Carter was pictured cycling through a red light in central London.

The Crown actress, 60, appeared to show no regard for the Highway Code as she whizzed through the red light. 

Sergeant Ford said previously: 'Most cyclists are safe and obey the Highway Code, however, we are educating, engaging and where necessary enforcing those road users who go through red lights, putting themselves and pedestrians at risk.

'Running a red light puts pedestrians, especially vulnerable ones, at risk. Cyclists gamble on the fact that pedestrians will move out the way, ignoring any hidden vulnerabilities.

'Cyclists who run a red light for the sake of saving a few minutes could endanger other vulnerable road users.'