POLICE will be on the lookout for drivers who overtake cyclists at a 'dangerously close' distance.
Thames Valley Police is running a campaign all week called Give Space Be Safe, warning drivers of the risks of 'close passes' and reminding cyclists to make themselves as visible as possible.
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Last week a cyclist posted a video of a close pass on Twitter, claiming Thames Valley Police had told him a close pass is 'not an offence in itself.'
According to Thames Valley Police, this is no further action since a close pass is "not an offence in itself". Maybe @tvprp need to scrape me off the road before it's worth their attention. pic.twitter.com/bRk0brpU0e
— Andy (@meat1veg) May 14, 2019
On the contrary, the force's campaign launched today to warn drivers that they can indeed be prosecuted and taken to court for a close pass.
Give space Be safe! Road safety team educating drivers that drive too close to cyclists and reminding cyclists about safer cycling #ItsNotWorthTheRisk @RBWM @HantsPolRoads #p2914 pic.twitter.com/4S4AwOr27e
— TVP Roads Policing (@tvprp) May 20, 2019
Officers will be enforcing the rules in key locations across Thames Valley from today until Friday, working closely with the fire service, councils and Highways England.
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Sergeant Rob Heard, from TVP's Joint Operations Roads Safety Team, said: "A close pass not only presents a danger to the cyclist, but it is also intimidating.
"[As] the Highway Code states, overtake only when it is safe and legal to do so, and drivers should allow vulnerable road users as much room as they would when overtaking a car.
"A driver deemed to be driving dangerously close can be prosecuted and taken to court.
"Cyclists also found to be riding in a careless or dangerous manner will also be stopped and dealt with appropriately.
"Ultimately, we are about making the roads safer for all and making sure we all get to our destinations safely."
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