£220 fine for Essex cyclist caught riding without lights

Chelmsford Magistrates Court has fined a cyclist £220 after he was stopped by police for riding without lights.

Roman Abramov, 23, from Grays, received the fine, as well as £90 costs and a £22 victim surcharge after his case went to court on Tuesday, October 13, according to the Essex Chronicle.

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The paper reports that the cyclist was stopped on London Road, Purfleet, on February 19 where it was found his bike was not fitted with lights or reflectors.

Ps David Martin said: "Cycling in the dark without lights is extremely dangerous both for the rider and for other road users. This result shows that illegal behaviour by cyclists will not be tolerated in Essex."

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Essex Police reportedly offer cyclists who are caught for offences the chance to complete an online cycling safety course. Should they fail to complete the course, which costs £19.50 and takes 30 minutes, their case will be put before the courts.

Presumably Abramov did not complete the online course, therefore leaving himself £312 worse off in the process.