Pedestrians in one of London's most famous Royal Parks are set to benefit from enhanced safety measures, as new traffic-light controlled crossings are installed and strict new rules for cyclists come into force.
New Crossings Follow Serious Collisions
Work has begun to install three new signal-controlled pedestrian crossings around Regent's Park's busy Outer Circle. The locations are Monkey Hill Gate, Chester Gate, and Kent Passage. This initiative is a direct response to safety concerns, notably a fatal collision in 2022 and another serious incident in 2024.
The project is funded by the Royal Parks charity and the Crown Estate Paving Commission (CEPC). It forms a key part of a wider effort to improve safety for those on foot and reduce conflicts between pedestrians and road users on the Outer Circle road. The installation work is expected to be fully completed by spring 2026.
The £50 Fine for Red-Light Jumpers
Under the new regulations, cyclists are now legally required to stop at red lights at these crossings, just as motorists must. Park enforcement officers have the authority to issue on-the-spot fines of £50 to any rider caught jumping the signal.
This enforcement action builds upon a 'considerate cycling' campaign launched by The Royal Parks in April 2025, which urged cyclists to slow down and obey red lights. That campaign was itself a reaction to a survey finding that 72 percent of London pedestrians had witnessed or experienced a near miss or collision with a cyclist.
A Call for Shared Responsibility
Darren Share, Director of Parks for The Royal Parks, emphasised the need for mutual respect. "These wonderful, urban green spaces are incredibly important to so many people, and it’s vital that they remain safe and welcoming for everyone," he said.
"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," Share added. "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."
The overarching goal is to create a safer and more enjoyable environment for all visitors to the iconic central London park, whether they are walking, cycling, or simply enjoying the scenery.
