UPDATE: for coverage in the media of this, please click HERE.
The Minister for Cycling Robert Goodwill MP, in response to representations made by the campaign group Stop Killing Cyclists to the Minister for Transport, stated in a letter:
“I agree that the police should be using discretion in enforcing this law and would support Paul Boetang’s original guidance.”
Mr Goodwill continued,
“You may wish to write to Sir Hugh Orde, President of the Association of Chief Police Officers, to bring this matter to his attention too.”
The original Ministerial Guidance issued by Paul Boateng stated:
“The introduction of the fixed penalty is not aimed at responsible cyclists who sometimes feel obliged to use the pavement out of fear of the traffic, and who show consideration to other pavement users.
“Chief police officers, who are responsible for enforcement, acknowledge that many cyclists, particularly children and young people, are afraid to cycle on the road, sensitivity and careful use of police discretion is required.”
The Stop Killing Cyclists campaign group followed-up on Mr Goodwill’s suggestion and sent a letter to Sir Hugh Orde of the ACPO.
On 17 January 2014, the ACPO stated that it had sent the guidance to all local police forces; National Policing Lead for Cycling Assistant Chief Constable Mark Milsom said:
“We welcome the re-issued guidance from the Minister for Cycling in respect of cycling on the pavement and have re-circulated this to all local forces.”
He continued,
“The issue of cycling on the pavement, as in other areas of law enforcement, varies according to local circumstances. The ministerial guidance supports the importance of police discretion in taking a reasonable and proportionate approach, with safety being a guiding principle.
London’s roads present unique challenges, not least of which is the sheer number of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians who use them, therefore their approach may vary from other areas of the country.”
The news of the re-issued guidance was covered in the media - you can read about that on our dedicated page: