Enforcement officers fined seven people for cycling in Grimsby town centre during a day of joint patrols with Humberside Police.
The patrols are the latest is a series of action days that see different teams for North East Lincolnshire Council, its partner Equans and other agencies target activities such as cycling and riding e-scooters in the pedestrian area, parking offences and anti-social behaviour.
Cycling is banned by a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in the pedestrianised shopping area in Grimsby town centre. There are signs in this area warning people they face a £100 fixed penalty notice for cycling.
Councillor Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities at North East Lincolnshire Council, said:
“Despite our officers instigating rigorous measures to ensure that people are not breaking the protection orders, it is beneficial for a team to be visible to help deter potential rule-breakers and offer a reassuring presence to those who visit Victoria Street to shop, socialise and enjoy local services.
“Individuals who participate in anti-social behaviour damage the bustling urban environment so these checks help provide an extra layer of safety for the public as they can see that action is being taken.
“It’s easy to avoid a fine for cycling in the town centre. Just get off your bike and walk along the relatively short stretch of pavement. I’m grateful to everyone who does so and I ask that others do the same.”
During a previous day of action with police on 4 July, environmental enforcement officers issued six fixed penalty notices to people cycling in the town centre.
Also in July, an offender was landed with a £1,150 court bill after failing to pay a fixed penalty notice.
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 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.
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