Commissioner urges cyclists to get LIT

Police and Crime Commissioner. Sir Graham Bright, was out on patrol this week with officers in support of the LIT campaign – Lights Instead of Tickets

The Campaign’s aim is to increase cyclist safety and visibility. Officers will target different parts of the city each night and stop anyone who does not have lights. They will be issued with a £50 fine which will be waived if they present themselves to Parkside Police Station within seven working days with a set of cycle lights and a receipt.

Sir Graham Bright said: “This campaign is not about giving cyclists a hard time. It is about keeping them, and other road users, safe. Many of the people stopped had lights in their bags but had not attached them. Once attached they were sent on their way with no charge. With the longer nights, now is the ideal time to remind people of the need to keep safe and make sure that other road users can see them”.

Sir Graham continues: “Recent changes in Police Community Support Officer legislation has given PCSOs more powers including the ability to stop and deal with cyclists without lights, freeing up the time of frontline officers.

As a minimum requirement, cyclists should have a good set of working lights fitted to their cycle, a white light to the front and a red to the rear. It is also recommended that cyclists wear a high visibility top or reflective-aids to be more visible.

The campaign will run until November 22.

Sir Graham Bright watches PCSO Philip Hepworth provide safety advice to a Cambridge cyclist