Philip Davies MP has asked government to set out its position on whether cyclists should have number plates – after being contacted by concerned residents who believe it may help to tackle the problems caused by rogue riders.
Shipley MP Philip Davies said several groups of people in Bingley had raised the issue of anti-social behaviour recently and had suggested forcing cyclists to have a licence in the same way other vehicles do could be the answer.
Sir Philip has written to Transport Minister Mark Harper asking him what government is doing to protect all road users and pedestrians and if there are any plans to introduce such a measure.
Sir Philip said: “People have been saying to me that there have been incidents of anti-social behaviour involving cyclists and there is no way of tracking those that cause problems or flout the laws of the road. They have suggested that is cyclists were forced to have a registration plate it would mean they were identifiable and could resolve the problem as those who chose to cycle in an irresponsible manner would know there will be consequences.”
It is an issue that has been raised before, most recently a few months ago in the House of Lords where former chief of the Metropolitan Police Lord Hogan Howe said cyclists should have number plates.
He said cyclists, particularly those in London “seem to be entirely unaccountable.”
Sir Philip said he will discuss government’s response with concerned residents once he receives the reply from the Department for Transport.
