CYCLISTS who go out on York’s roads without lights have been warned they face fines as darker evenings approach.

North Yorkshire Police and the Safer York Partnership will launch their Operation Image initiative at the start of November, which will see cyclists who fail to use lights, or commit other offences, being issued with £30 penalties or a suspended fixed penalty notice, giving them 14 days to fit lights to their bike or risk a court appearance.

Graham Titchener of City of York Council’s transport team said: “The rules of the Highway Code are very clear, so there is no excuse for not having lights on your bike after dark, and if you’re unsure about what sort of lighting to use, visit your local cycle shop and ask for their advice.”

Coun Dave Merrett, the authority’s cabinet member for city strategy, said: “If you’re a cyclist and don’t have lights on, you are very difficult to see and pose a real danger to yourself and others around you. If you’re a driver, please give proper consideration to cyclists.”