Cambridgeshire police's innovative scheme to encourage cyclists to use lights

Cambridgeshire Constabulary's 'Lights Instead of Tickets' scheme aims to encourage riders to own and use lights rather than simply fining them

Group cycling with lights
(Image credit: Jesse Wild)

Cyclists in Cambridgeshire who are caught riding in the dark without lights by police are being given a week to buy lights rather than being issued with an on-the-spot £30 fine.

The Lights Instead of Tickets (LIT) scheme aims to encourage cyclists to buy a set of lights rather than simply fining them on the spot.

The rider has seven days in which to buy a set of lights and present the receipt at a police station. The penalty is then waived - so it is therefore more cost effective to buy a set of lights than pay the fine.

>>> Buyer’s guide to rear lights

It is the fourth year of the LIT scheme, which has received support from local cycling groups who appreciate the police's emphasis on education and getting cyclists equipped with lights, rather than fining them.

Watch: Cyclo-cross bike buyer's guide

Cambridgeshire's police and crime commissioner, Sir Graham Bright, told Cambridgeshire News: "This operation is aimed at protecting cyclists and other road users by reminding people to use their lights – it's not about persecuting cyclists.

"In fact, through the scheme we are giving cyclists the opportunity of avoiding a financial penalty by taking steps to protect their safety on the road."

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Nigel Wynn
Former Associate Editor

Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, an exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.