Video footage has shown the moment a group of cyclists were fined by police for running a red light, but not everyone agrees with their decision to stop them. The clip, which was posted on X, formerly Twitter, shows the moment four cyclists in Esher, Surrey, ran the red light before being given fixed penalty notices (FPNs).
It was posted by the Surrey RoadSafe partnership and has been watched more than half a million times with many in the comments applauding police for taking action.
The tweet read: “#VanguardRST stopped these four cyclists in Esher after they were observed contravening a red traffic light. FPNs issued to all.”
One commenter said they were pleased to see officers taking action as they felt the offence usually went unnoticed.
They said: “Good to see the police taking action usually these offences go unobserved.”
Another added: “If you’re a cyclist defending it, you’re no different from motor vehicle drivers when they defend their bad actions.”
The Highway Code says road users must stop behind the white stop line unless the traffic light is green and must not move forward when the red light is showing.
However, many in the comments pointed out that the video does not show cyclists actually crossing the line while the light was red, with the video starting when cyclists were already past the line.
One person said in defence of the cyclists: “It does seem odd that they start the clip after the red light and with all cyclists past the stop line, were they already waiting to turn right? Video does not show.”
Another added: “I’m very disappointed in this tweet. The video that you have posted does not show any offence being committed.
“If I were to submit this to the @metpoliceuk of a motor vehicle doing the same they would not proceed with a prosecution. Your account is usually unbiased.”
But the police account was quick to clear up confusion, releasing another video which clearly shows the cyclists travelling over the line while the light is red.
