HC Deb 01 December 1983 vol 49 c981
14. Mr. Higgins

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to improve the enforcement of the law on pedal cycle lighting in the London Metropolitan area.

Mr. Hurd

The enforcement of the law on pedal cycle lighting in the Metropolitan police district, like the enforcement of other road traffic laws, is a matter for the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis.

Mr. Higgins

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the number of recorded convictions for this offence during the whole of last year was rather less than the number of pedal cyclists that one is likely to observe in 20 minutes on the streets of London? Is it not a scandal that no attempt to enforce the law is being made?

Mr. Hurd

My right hon. Friend will accept that a serious attempt is being made to enforce the law with regard to cycling. It is probably sensible that, in most cases, the police should deal with the matter by way of a caution rather than by prosecution.