It was only cyclists and electric scooter riders who received fines when the police stood by a school road in the center of Oslo last year. On Thursday, the police will again have control at the same place.
The police had their hands full during the traffic control at the top of Akersgata last August. Of the 33 who received notices, there were no motorists. On Thursday, there will be another check at the same place. Photo: Olav Olsen (archive photo)
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Published: 23/08/2023 21:03
“Action school road Wednesday morning: Motorists fined: 0. Cyclists fined: 33.”
This headline caused many to react last year. Because when the police stood at the intersection at the top of Akersgata, only cyclists and electric kick cyclists were given simplified orders. Most came cycling down Ullevålsveien.
In just over an hour and a half, the police issued 33 summonses of NOK 1,350 each to cyclists and electric scooter riders who ran a red light in Akersgata exactly one year ago. This means a payment of a total of NOK 44,550.
In addition, a cyclist was reported because he did not want to accept the proposal on the spot. This year, the rates for fines have been increased by 30 per cent, which means NOK 1,750 for cyclists caught for the same.
Fact
Action school road
Every year at the start of school, the Oslo Police District checks the school roads.
This year’s Aksyon skolevei started on Monday 21 August and will last for two weeks.
During the two weeks, the police will have checks at virtually all schools in the district.
The campaign is an interdisciplinary collaboration in which, among others, the Oslo Police District, the National Road Administration and Trygg Trafikk participate.
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Some cyclists reacted afterwards because they believed that the road there was closed to motorists due to construction work. In the wake of this, a video was made from the scene which shows that several cars were driving at the scene.
On the inspection day, there were seven or eight police officers in all the roads leading to the intersection, checking both motorists and cyclists. At least one of the police officers was in civilian clothes. He stopped an electric kick cyclist who was about to turn when he saw police officers in uniform further down the street. Several cars were also stopped for, among other things, document checks.
New inspection on Thursday
In connection with the start of school this week, the police’s Action school road is also underway. That means two weeks of checks at virtually all schools in Oslo, Bærum and Asker.
On Thursday morning, the police are announcing a similar check at the top of Akersgata that they had last year.
– I think that the inspection last year engaged many people because we ended up with a high number of imposed simplified orders. And the public saw that, for a rare occasion, the police focused on cyclists. It’s a bit of unusual news. I also think that some cyclists recognized themselves because they have cycled on red, says Per Magnus Heggedal.
He is the traffic officer at the Center unit in the Oslo police district.
On Thursday morning, Per Magnus Heggedal and his crew will stand at the top of Akersgata in connection with Aksjon skolevei. Photo: Stein Bjørge (archive photo)
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– Have you changed your strategy when it comes to checking cyclists in recent years?
– I can say that the police have to focus a little more on cyclists and e-bike riders. Among other things, because there are more bicycles and electric scooters on the roads now than before, answers Heggedal.
Although it is too early to draw conclusions, after two days of Aksyon skolevei, Heggedal is satisfied that fewer people have been caught under the influence of drugs in the center of Oslo. While there were four or five drivers who were under the influence of drugs last year, only one has been caught this year.
As for the whole of Oslo, there are two drivers who have so far been suspected of driving under the influence of drugs. In addition, 291 drivers have received notices for other matters such as reckless driving and using a mobile phone in two days. On top of that, there are four drivers who have lost their driving licence.
The Cycling Association: Has confidence in the police
Eline Oftedal is general secretary of the National Association of Cyclists. She says that the children’s safety on the way to school is a shared responsibility.
– It is not easy for small children to orientate themselves in a complex traffic picture. We think first and foremost that the school route should be safe and secure. It is something everyone in traffic is responsible for, including cyclists. Cyclists therefore also have to stop at red lights, says Oftedal.
She clarifies that most cyclists follow the traffic rules.
– But just like in all other groups, there are some who are in a hurry and don’t follow the traffic rules, she adds.
Oftedal believes that the topic engages many people because it is about children’s safety and everyday school life.
– When you send your children to school, regardless of age, the parents want the school route to be safe. This is why this is an engaging topic.
– What do you think the cyclists think about the police checks?
– Most people probably think that it is attitude-creating work. It is important to react to those who make the road to school unsafe. We have confidence in the work of the police.
2023-08-23 19:03:30
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