CYCLISTS caught riding the streets of Somerset at night without proper lights on their bikes could be fined. Police in Cheddar will be launching Operation Glitter and cyclists could be fined £30 if they are stopped without lights after dark.

CYCLISTS caught riding the streets of Somerset at night without proper lights on their bikes could be fined.

Police in Cheddar will be launching Operation Glitter’ and cyclists could be fined £30 if they are stopped without lights after dark.

Police community support officers (PCSOs) in the Cheddar, Axbridge and Wedmore areas will stop any cyclist without lights during winter evenings. The bike rider will then be given the option of paying a £30 fine or buying proper cycle lights within seven days, taking a receipt to the police station as proof of the purchase.

Sergeant Mike Tripp, of Cheddar police, said: “There is potential for a lot of nasty accidents if cyclists do not have proper lights. The roads in Somerset do not always have bright lamppost lights and a car could easily drive round a dark corner and not notice a cyclist in the road.”

Anyone who is stopped and is asked to buy lighting will receive a 10 per cent discount at Cheddar Cycle Store in Wedmore Road. They will also be given an information pack by the PCSOs on cycle safety.

Operation Glitter will be officially launched on October 8.