Cambridge: MP Welcomes Cycle Focus

17 October 2013, 06:48 | Updated: 17 October 2013, 16:06

Cambridge's MP has welcomed a move to clampdown on cyclists without lights.

MP Julian Huppert spoke out in Parliament earlier this week, in favour of a proposed change in the law which would give Police Community Support Officers new powers to clamp down on cyclists riding without lights.

The move would allow the officers to issue fixed penalty notices to anyone found riding illegally.

It was outlined as a new clause to the Anti Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill being debated in the Commons.

Julian told Parliament: "One of the banes of my life is cyclists who do not obey the rules of the road. Anything that we can do to get people to cycle safely and legally will make it easier for those of us who want to extend facilities for cyclists. There are sensible ways forward.

"In Cambridge, we have been using a 'lights instead of tickets' campaign to make sure that people get their lights. I welcome the new clause as a sensible step forward."

He added that he is a "huge champion of cycling" and was delighted when Parliament passed a motion to 'get Britain cycling'.

Julian, who led the Get Britain Cycling inquiry and the subsequent report which outlined 18 recommendations for the government to encourage cycling and make it safer, added later: "Cyclists have to be responsible road users. They have to understand that they have a responsibility to cycle safely and legally.

"Giving PCSOs extended powers to take action when they see a cyclist riding without lights means our streets will be a safer place not only for cyclists but for pedestrians and other road users. I am delighted that this new proposal passed the House of Commons."

At the moment, only Police Officers can hand out the penalties.