TfL officer struggles to enforce Oxford Street pedestrianisation as e-bike riders ignore road-closed signs
Video footage shows e-bike riders riding through the newly pedestrianised section of Oxford Street despite signs and an enforcement officer’s attempts to redirect them, highlighting enforcement challenges as the ban takes effect.
Video recorded on Wednesday morning captured e-bike riders weaving past cones and diversion signs on Oxford Street, a stretch that has been closed to motor-assisted vehicles as part of a pedestrianisation project. At the junction with Harewood Place, large “Road Closed” and “Diversion” signs were displayed, yet cyclists continued straight ahead while an officer in an orange high-visibility jacket tried to guide them toward the alternate route.
One rider obeyed the instruction and turned onto Holles Street, but several others rode on, and a man on a Lime-branded e-bike ignored the officer’s gesture to follow the diversion and proceeded onward.
Mayor Sadiq Khan has promoted the conversion of Oxford Street into a plaza with cafés and outdoor seating since 2016. While bike-advocacy groups have welcomed the plan for its potential to reduce traffic, they have also called for safe alternative routes for the thousands of cyclists who previously used the street.
Transport for London (TfL) said it has legal authority to enforce the new traffic rules and is working with police and other partners where appropriate. > "As the highway authority for Oxford St, TfL has the legal powers to enforce traffic signs and regulations, working with the Police and other relevant enforcement partners where appropriate. As with any major change in road layout and rules, TfL’s approach is to engage and educate first. As more people become aware of the changes, and as more greenery and seating are installed within the traffic-free area, the number of incidents is expected to decrease. We will maintain an active presence of enforcement officers."
TfL also noted that dockless e-bike operators such as Lime, Voi and Forest use geofencing technology that reduces motor assistance when a bike crosses the virtual boundary, though riders can still pedal manually. Under TfL rules, cyclists breaching the ban face a £160 penalty, reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days. No fines have been issued yet, as officers initially focus on advice and guidance.
The footage underscores the difficulty of ensuring compliance during the first week of the pedestrianisation, with some cyclists apparently unaware of the new restrictions despite clear signage and an on-street enforcement presence.