Pedal police dish fines

POLICE bike units have given 30 cyclists in the Meadows area £30 fixed penalties during the last two months, new figures have shown.

The St Leonards Safer Neighbourhood Team Cycle Unit, which was formed four months ago, gave the 30 riders penalties for dangerous or inconsiderate cycling, while 50 others have received warnings for their riding.

The unit has amassed 250 hours of cycle patrols since its formation, covering some 2000 miles in the Meadows, Morningside, Southside and Newington areas.

Pc Yocksan Bell, community officer, praised the use of cycle patrols.

He said: “It allows us to provide highly-visible patrols in areas not usually covered by mobile or foot patrols to increase public reassurance.”