Bumper Victoria Street cycling fine welcomed.

RIDE your cycle on Grimsby’s pedestrianised shopping street and risk a total fine and costs of more than £1,000!

That’s the message being sent out as one of the largest fines and associated costs was issued recently to an offender caught cycling along Victoria Street.

North East Lincolnshire Council and its partners are working hard to enforce the Public Space Protection Order, (PSPO), that bans this dangerous practice. They are delighted that the courts have recognised the seriousness of the issue and say they will continue to act against rogue cyclists.

As reported, the financial penalty, a £600 fine, £226 costs, and a £264 victim surcharge totalling £1,150, was issued at Grimsby Magistrates Court and is believed to be the one of the largest of its kind in North East Lincolnshire.

It was issued after the cyclist was stopped for the offence and initially handed a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice. When they failed to pay, the case was heard at Grimsby Magistrates Court where the bumper fine and costs was ordered to be paid – replacing the initial Notice.

The PSPO has been in force along Victoria Street since 2019 and is supported by Humberside Police and North East Lincolnshire Council. The order allows officials to issue Fixed Penalty Notices for any behaviour that causes nuisance, danger, or distress. As in this case, failure to pay up means a court hearing with the risk of a much greater financial penalty being imposed.

There are signs at both ends of the street warning that cyclists will be stopped, and the Fixed Penalty Notices are issued by regular police and enforcement patrols. Officers also carry out days of action along the street – the last one, on July 4, saw six cyclists stopped and issued with Notices.

Cllr Ron Shepherd, North East Lincolnshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “This fine and costs is to be applauded. We do not accept the actions of some people who appear to have no regard as to the safety of pedestrians. These cyclists often fly along Victoria Street zig-zagging around people who feel extremely vulnerable.

“Over the last few weeks, people have been seen dismounting their cycles and doing the right thing – walking along the relatively short stretch and we thank them for that, and ask that others do the same.”