Police respond to backlash after cyclists given fines for jumping red light

Police have responded to a backlash caused after one of their officers handed fines to a bunch of cyclists for running a red light. An initial video released by Surrey RoadSafe showed a group of cyclists being pulled over while enjoying a bike ride in Esher on Saturday, January 13. The video showed with the four turning right despite a red traffic light and has now been seen 1.4million times.

The tweet reads: "#VanguardRST[1] stopped these 4 cyclists in Esher after they were observed contravening a red traffic light. FPN's issued to all." However, as many others pointed out in the comments, the video posted by the police[2] did not show the cyclists actually crossing the junction line while the light was red.

The video starts when the cyclists were already past the line and the rights were red - something which many on social media were quick to point out. "I'm very disappointed in this tweet. The video that you have posted does not show any offence being committed.

If I were to submit this to the @metpoliceuk[3] of a motor vehicle doing the same they would not proceed with a prosecution. Your account is usually unbiased," said @4ChordsNoNet. "At no point does this video show the cyclists crossing the stop line when it's red.

That's a basic error of the poster I'm afraid. If that's there only evidence without independent evidence or other footage a prosecution would fail," @CyclingLawLDN added. The Highway Code[4] states: "You MUST stop behind the white 'Stop' line across your side of the road unless the light is green.

If the amber light appears you may go on only if you have already crossed the stop line or are so close to it that to stop might cause a collision. "You MUST NOT move forward over the white line when the red light is showing. Only go forward when the traffic lights are green if there is room for you to clear the junction safely or you are taking up a position to turn right."

Responding to calls to show the entire incident, Surrey RoadSafe were quick to respond. They posted: "Following on from yesterdays post, there were a lot of questions raised as to whether the cyclist had travelled over the stop line when the lights were red. As you can see from the downloaded cleartone, the lights were red when they crossed the stop line and then continued."

Police praised the force for swiftly clearing up any doubt over the matter. "Thank you for posting the whole thing. The additional footage makes it clear that there was indeed an offence committed. Everyone needs to obey the rules, and the bigger the vehicle the more vital this is," said @girlonabrompton.

"Absolutely right to fine them," said @CraigMcKeeEdu, while @N13lCl added: "Epic police work." Thanks for clearing this up. Clearly 4x offences were committed.

Assuming an admission of guilt... how much was each FPN, of interest?

Is it GBP100, the same as for a motorist that jumps a red light, with the exception of the 3 point endorsement, mind?" asked @ChaponaBike123.

References

1. ^ #VanguardRST (twitter.com)
2. ^ police (www.nottinghampost.com)
3. ^ @metpoliceuk (twitter.com)
4. ^ Highway Code (www.highwaycodeuk.co.uk)