§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many prosecutions there have been in the Greater London area of cyclists for cycling on the public highway without lights on their bicycles in the last 12 months; [88441]
(2) how many prosecutions there have been of adults for cycling on public footpaths in the Greater London area during the last 12 months. [88442]
§ Mr. Bob AinsworthThe available information, relating to the Greater London Area (Metropolitan and City of London police forces) for 2001 is contained in the table.
This relates to riding on footpaths (which will include riding on pavements and using footpaths designated for pedestrians) and lighting and reflector offences (which will include cycling without lights).
Information for 2002 will be published in the late autumn of 2003.
danger being caused. Any Metropolitan police officer who is called to or witnesses such an offence will take whatever action is appropriate in the circumstances. The offence can be dealt with by way of a fixed penalty of £30. To help the police with enforcement we have made it possible for community support officers (CSOs) appointed under the Police Reform Act 2002 to issue these penalties. We have provided the Metropolitan police with additional funding for the recruitment of 500 CSOs.
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