Colchester cycling fines may return as new approach revealed

Colchester Cycling Campaign fought hard earlier this year to get a catalogue of fines revoked after council bosses apologised for being “too tough”. 

Colchester Council officers fined more than 60 people for antisocial behaviour, or breach of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO).

Campaigners met with council representatives to “find a better balance between the needs of cyclists and others”.

Apology - Colchester Council apologised for being 'too harsh' on cyclists (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

However, despite fines being discontinued for the time being, they could a return based on “behaviour not location” as the council has promised to make improvements.

Campaigners’ efforts to cycling dropped from the PSPO have been without success.

In a statement, the campaign said: “Existing laws cover bad cycling, and it should be up to the police to enforce these. We were told this would not happen given the many other priorities for the police.

“We also asked for directly employed wardens to take over from the ‘fine for profit’ wardens at the first available opportunity. We were told this was not practical given the pressures on wardens and council finances.”

Campaigner Will Bramhill sees the result of the debates with the council as pragmatic. He said: “I think we have reached the best possible conclusion with what Colchester Council can do.

Campaigner - Will Bramhill of Colchester Cycling Campaign (Image: Will Bramhill)

“The problem now is, the whole system with the ‘fine-for-profit’ on which the PSPOs operate, it can backfire badly.”

For Mr Bramhill, the work is not done yet as he is working with the Cycle Advocacy Network to introduce a national charter for councils to work with.

Cyclist Stuart Baybrook, 45, who is an Open Road worker from Stanway, was fined £100 for avoiding the busy St Botolph’s roundabout.

(Image: Stuart Braybrooke)

He said : “I actually had several meetings about this with the Colchester Cycling Group and the head of the council.

“I think they agreed that the people who were issuing these fines had been a bit heavy handed and so this educational approach that they have decided to take is great.

“So this outcome I feel is the best we can get at this stage.

Penalties only used for 'serious violations'

Colchester Council stressed it aims to ensure city centre travel is accessible for all – and reiterated penalties will only be used for more serious violations.

A spokesman said: “We are committed to supporting all forms of travel in the city centre – whether walking, wheeling, cycling, or driving – while ensuring public spaces are safe and accessible for everyone.

“We encourage all road users to look out for one another and follow the hierarchy of road users outlined in the Highway Code, which prioritises the safety of the most vulnerable.

"Pedestrians, wheelchair users, and people with mobility challenges deserve special consideration to ensure shared spaces remain welcoming.

“Recent discussions with cycling advocates have helped inform improvements to the City Centre Public Spaces Protection Order.

"This legal tool is used to regulate specific activities, and in the case of cycling, addressing unsafe or anti-social cycling, to maintain safety and prevent distress.

"Enforcement measures will focus on education, with penalties used only for serious violations, such as cycling at high speeds on pedestrian pathways or breaching designated restrictions.

“Our approach prioritises constructive engagement, promoting responsible behaviour, and creating a healthy, safe, sustainable, and welcoming city centre where everyone can feel at ease.”