Written question asked by Tom Cox (Labour) on Tuesday, 17 December 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 January 2003. It was answered by Bob Ainsworth (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 January 2003 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the policy is of the Metropolitan Police in seeking to deter adults from cycling on public footpaths; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the policy is of the Metropolitan police in seeking to deter adults from cycling on public footpaths; and if he will make a statement. [88443] Mr. Bob Ainsworth: Cycling inconsiderately or irresponsibly on public footpaths is a criminal offence. The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis informs me that the Metropolitan police view the offence seriously, particularly where it is likely to result in 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 to issue these penalties. We have provided the Metropolitan police with additional funding for the recruitment of 500 CSOs.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 88443; 397 c257-8W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Bicycles Cycling Greater London Public footpaths Metropolitan Police Pedestrian areas Road traffic offences
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk

Home Office

Secondary information

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