A cyclist was given a dose of instant karma after running a red light while a police car was waiting at the junction.
Surrey Police’s road policing unit shared footage of the moment a cyclist rode through the red, right in front of a car from Surrey Police’s Vanguard Road Safety team.
Surrey Police Tweeted: “Whilst on enquiries last night in Fulwell, near Twickenham, a cyclist thought it was a good idea to contravene a red traffic light – right in front of the VanguardRST. Cyclist stopped and reported for the offence.”
Police sped up to stop the cyclist after he ran a red light
Police sped up to stop the cyclist after he ran a red light. Picture: Surrey Police
But the footage sparked a row with cyclists accusing police of a response that was not “proportionate” after the police car travelled at 58MPH in a 20zone in order to catch up.
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One person commented on the clip: ”I don’t think going 58mph in a 20mph zone is proportionate in this instance. PLAN – Proportionate: highly unlikely; Legal: probably yes; Accountable – who did this?; Necessary – absolutely not. Waiting and then going 15mph above the speed limit thereafter would’ve been sufficient.”
Another said: “Almost 60mph in a built up area to catch a cyclist. Proportionate, and safe?”
A third posted: “I’m no fan of cyclists, but nearly 60mph in a 20 limit in a 2 tonne vehicle to catch him. You can’t even give him a ticket and 3 points. Disproportionate response and a far greater danger to others than the cyclist jumping the light.”
But other people defended the actions of police. One said: “If the cyclist could be identified by means of an index plate like a car, maybe they would have stayed put…. But they ain’t. Perfectly proportional and justifiable.”
Another said: “WELL DONE, hopefully they will learn what RED means and tell all their mates,NO EXCUSES,red means stop.”
