Wandsworth issuing PCNs to "speeding" cyclists on Tooting Bec Common

[Earl Aelfheah]

Clearly people should cycle carefully in parks. Dogs shouldn’t be out of control  and off the lead either ideally (often they are). A bit of courtesy and care is probably what’s called for rather than unenforceable laws. Never heard of this 5mph limit.

[Rockets]

There is a 5mph limit on the outer perimeter of the park. The outer perimeter is designated a shared use route and as such Southwark have set the speed limit for all vehicles at 5mph on it. It is the same as in Tooting Bec, that has a shared use route with the speed limit set at 12mph - which is where the council were issuing PCNs to cyclists. Whether Southwark would ever police the 5mph limit is another question.

Dogs can be off the lead on the outer perimeter and are called out as part of the shared use group. They only have to be on the lead within the inner sections of the park. I suspect this is one of the reasons the speed limit is set at 5mph by the council.

[Sue]

On 23/12/2025 at 14:41, Earl Aelfheah said:

Clearly people should cycle carefully in parks. Dogs shouldn’t be out of control  and off the lead either ideally (often they are).

In Peckham Rye Park yesterday morning (Christmas Day) there were loads of dogs. We only saw one on a lead 🙄

[Rockets]

What are the rules in relation to dogs on leads on Peckham Rye? Within Dulwich Park they are allowed off the lead around the outer perimeter, just have to be on the lead in the central area.

[exdulwicher]

1 hour ago, Rockets said:

What are the rules in relation to dogs on leads on Peckham Rye? 

They can't run faster than 5mph...?

[Rockets]

That only applies to all vehicles in Dulwich Park @exdulwicher. Not sure what the speed limit is for Peckham Rye.

This thread has helped establish two things: 1) there is a speed limit of 5mph in Dulwich Park (and it applies to bikes) and 2) dogs do not have to be on a lead in many parts of Dulwich Park.

It seems some folks need to read up on the rules!

[Spartacus]

Is there a speed limit for dogs off leads cycling through the park ? 

[Sue]

18 hours ago, Rockets said:

What are the rules in relation to dogs on leads on Peckham Rye? Within Dulwich Park they are allowed off the lead around the outer perimeter, just have to be on the lead in the central area.

Unless I have misunderstood the notice at the park  entrance nearest to Barry Road, dogs In Peckham Rye Park have to be on leads at all times EXCEPT in certain areas, which are clearly signposted.

That's in the park, not on the grass of the  Rye itself.

I don't have a dog, so I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[exdulwicher]

18 hours ago, Rockets said:

This thread has helped establish two things: 1) there is a speed limit of 5mph in Dulwich Park (and it applies to bikes) and 2) dogs do not have to be on a lead in many parts of Dulwich Park.

It hasn't established that at all. You've provided no actual link to any official sources, you've just stated your belief.

And you didn't answer the question as to what you'd do if Southwark started issuing PCNs for drivers exceeding this 5mph, just tried to turn it around and avoid it. 

[first mate]

Within Peckam Rye Park, it is my understanding that dogs are ideally kept on lead on paved areas (unless obedient), they must be on lead around the pond and inside the Japanese and American Gardens, and they are not allowed at all in the Arboretum, which is fenced off.

Dogs are allowed off lead on any of the playing fields and within the wooded area. Dogs do need areas in which they can run free. Clearly if there is a football game or similar then it is sensible to keep your dog on a lead (but not a requirement). However, unless your dog is very obedient, you'll probably put them on a lead rather than face irate football players.

In any park it is probably wise and safer to have your dog on a shorter lead on any paved areas, likely to be used by cyclists and even cars- unless you have a dog that will walk to heel no matter what is going on. But, in my view, this should not give cyclists permission to use paved areas as race tracks- it may not be law but it is sensible and more fair to other park users, most of which are likely to be pedestrians.

Edited 5 hours ago by first mate

[exdulwicher]

I'm going to set up a campaign advising people to put their dogs back on leads.

I'll call it Re-leash The Hounds.

[Rockets]

1 hour ago, exdulwicher said:

It hasn't established that at all. You've provided no actual link to any official sources, you've just stated your belief.

But as Southwark have set a speed limit for all vehicles of 5mph on a shared use route off the public highway then that is the speed limit that applies to all vehicles is it not?

 

1 hour ago, exdulwicher said:

And you didn't answer the question as to what you'd do if Southwark started issuing PCNs for drivers exceeding this 5mph, just tried to turn it around and avoid it. 

Well if someone was driving at faster than 5mph on the shared use route then clearly Southwark could issue a PCN...but then they could issue a PCN for cyclists too couldn't they? 

This is basically the same instance highlighted in the original post...in this situation a speed limit on a shared use route off the public highway applies to all vehicles does it not?

21 hours ago, exdulwicher said:

They can't run faster than 5mph...?

Are they are vehicle...this vehicle issue appears to be your argument's Achiiles Heal!

13 minutes ago, exdulwicher said:

I'm going to set up a campaign advising people to put their dogs back on leads.

I'll call it Re-leash The Hounds.

Only in the areas where it is required I presume - I know how you and many of your cohort on here are so keen on the application of rules and regulations to the letter (for cars)! 😉

[exdulwicher]

Clearly you missed the irony and play on words with Re-leash the Hounds...

Also "me and my cohort"?! I have a cohort? Wow. Can anyone who is in my cohort raise their hand? It's just that I didn't know I had a cohort and I should probably do something about it. Some kind of induction day for starters.. Do I need to do anything else?

I can supply some left over mince pies. 

[first mate]

1 hour ago, exdulwicher said:

I'm going to set up a campaign advising people to put their dogs back on leads.

I'll call it Re-leash The Hounds.

Haha, very droll.

Or, you could simply ask all park users on paved areas to be mindful of other users- dogs should be kept on lead and not allowed to career around paved areas, toddlers and young children carefully supervised,  and cyclists or other wheelers, observe park speed limits and always give way to pedestrians. 

Edited 2 hours ago by first mate