A PIONEERING scheme aimed at ridding York of a major road danger was launched in the city today.

Police in the city have started the new campaign to target cyclists who put themselves and others at risk by riding without lights.

Riders caught by the police would ordinarily face a £30 fine - but under the new scheme they will be offered the option of escaping a fine by making their machine safe for the future.

York police believe the initiative, which will give cyclists the option to avoid a fine by agreeing to mend faulty lights or buy new ones, may be the first of its kind in the country.

Cycle owners stopped without legal lights will be given a ticket which must be validated at any of the city's cycle shops before being presented at a police station within 14 days.

Community cycle unit member PC Lee Fickling said the initiative was a first for North Yorkshire Police.

Mr Fickling, who is one of four officers who patrol York by bike, said: "Rather than prosecuting people, we need to encourage them to think about safety - especially at this time of year."

The initiative is based on the vehicle defect rectification scheme which gives motorists the opportunity to correct minor vehicle faults such as cracked number plates and faulty lights.

Vehicle owners who have the faults repaired must present a stamped certificate at their police station within two weeks to avoid a fixed penalty or further police action.

Graham Hall, owner of The Cycle Shop, Haxby, which is participating in the scheme, said there was no reason why the scheme should not be a success.

He said: "It is a subtle way of encouraging cyclists to use lights without wielding a big stick."

A spokesman for City of York Council said: "Full marks to North Yorkshire Police on this enlightened idea.

"Given the relatively high percentage of cyclists in the city our accident rate is good, but we all have a responsibility to ensure that we walk, cycle and drive safely and this will encourage cyclists to light up as the mornings and evenings draw in."

Updated: 15:41 Monday, October 28, 2002