Neil Williams wrote:
Surely it's time for more police, out on the streets and
visible, issuing fixed penalty tickets for cycling infringements as
well as ticketing motorists for dangerous driving (can't do that with
a camera), deterring other crime and assisting the public where
required?

Cameras, CCTV and the likes, while useful, are no substitute for
proper policing on the front line.

On a positive note, I just saw this in email in another place:-

"Cycling police are certainly back in force in the City area, nabbing
many a newbie/oldie for straying onto pavements, through red lights
etc. A friend of mine who has just started cycling to work was hauled
up last week for taking a shortcut across a pavement and given a
thirty quid fine on the spot.

"However, the Old Bill told him that if he turned up to a road safety
training course they're running for cyclists one lunchtime and bought
along the fine, they'd tear it up right there and he wouldn't have to
pay. An interesting approach, i thought...even perhaps one to be
applauded..."

Can't say I've noticed it going on myself, but it seems like a useful
initiative.

Pete.