SPEEDING cyclists risk being caught on camera this summer as the council attempts to improve safety on the seafront.

Following a series of complaints about dangerous cyclists, the council intends to use a camera to monitor speeds.

And the initiative has been welcomed by beach hut owners, who believe a serious accident is inevitable unless speed levels are cut.

Last August, a two-year-old was rushed to hospital following a collision with a cyclist at Alum Chine. The little girl suffered a deep cut that went right through her ear, as well as other cuts and bruises.

Jim Dooley, who has a hut at West Cliff, said many cyclists were still riding dangerously: “We see loads of people who ride far too fast. They’re going to hit a little kid sooner or later, it’s only a matter of time.” Officers will be down on the seafront four times this month to see how many cyclists currently break the 10mph speed limit.

Any caught flouting the rules will be provided with advice and information on the seafront rules.

But the council does not have the power to hand out fines to those cycling too fast, because cyclists are unable to monitor their own speed.

It can only hand out fines to those who breach the ban on cycling on the promenade between 10am and 6pm in July and August, which it intends to do.

Charmaine Andrews, service development officer for leisure services, said: “We have a duty to ensure the promenade is a safe environment for people to enjoy. We have had reports of people speeding on bikes along the seafront and what we don’t want to see is a cyclist racing along the promenade accidentally knocking down a small child that gets in his or her way.”

Officers will be on the seafront this Saturday and Sunday, next Wednesday and Thursday, June 18.

Courtney James, a hut owner since 1982, said: “What I don’t like about the cyclists is they dart and swerve amongst pedestrians rather than ease up on their speed.

“I’ve had one cyclist ride into me while I’ve been sat here and we see lots of minor accidents and near misses.”

And another hut owner Kate Coughlan said: “Cyclists shouldn’t be allowed here when there are so many children and older people about. You can foresee what’s going to happen, it’s obvious there will be a serious accident.”

Last summer, seafront wardens and police community support officers failed to issue any fines to cyclists caught flouting the ban but did hand out formal warning letters to 32 cyclists.