HAMPSHIRE police plan to use plain clothed officers on bicycles in an attempt to catch drivers who pass too close to cyclists.
The ‘close pass’ scheme has been rolled out in the West Midlands, with feasibility studies set to be undertaken around Hampshire in the coming months.
Chief Inspector Henry Parsons said: “The close pass initiative looks excellent and we are making preparations to use it across Hampshire. A launch date is anticipated soon.”
The overtaking space for a car passing a cyclist is currently 1.5 metres, with the West Midlands Police trial catching 130 drivers in nine outings.
Jez Hart, a road cyclist who commutes to Southampton, said: “I’ve been a road cyclist for seven years. Close passes are extremely frightening to even seasoned cyclists and a big reason fewer people use bikes to commute.
“Some drivers honestly don’t appreciate how little space they give cyclists whereas others squeeze cyclists dangerously into the gutter while avoiding oncoming traffic or merely to just show their displeasure that cyclists use the roads at all.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel