Cyclist fined £1,200 after he sent a video to the police
A cyclist who submitted a video of 'bad driving' to the police then ended up in court himself and found himself being slapped with a hefty fine.
The rider had sent footage to West Yorkshire Police, which showed a car passing too close to his pedal bike.
But in an unexpected turn of events, and after sending off the footage, the rider received an unwanted letter himself summoning him to court after what the video clip showed.
The force's Op Snap portal is a digital submission site which allows road users to upload their dashcam, headcam, or mobile phone footage of bad driving, red light jumping, or other careless behaviour to help police prosecute offenders on the roads.
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West Yorkshire Police said the cyclist, based in Leeds, was also seen in the clip riding 'without due care and attention' as he approached a parked car and an oncoming vehicle.
"Rather than slow down or have to unclip from his pedals, the rider chose to travel between the parked car and the vehicle heading directly towards him," police said in a statement.
The police said that the distance was 'significantly less' than the car he had reported had given to him, meaning the driver was then forced to hug the kerb in order to avoid the cyclist.
The cyclist was prosecuted at Bradford Magistrates' Court and ordered to pay more than £1,200 in fines and court costs following the incident that was recorded in Menston, near to Ilkley.
A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson added: "It is important that all road users are aware of The Highway Code, are considerate to other road users and understand their responsibility for the safety of others."
Why the bike rider was hauled before court
Although there are no specific UK road laws on riding too close to a car, bike riders and motorists can still be prosecuted.
Cyclists are also subject to legislation covering dangerous cycling, riding under the influence, and other offences that result in serious injury.
According to CyclingUK, vehicles 'passing too close to the cyclist' is listed as a contributory factor in 25 per cent of serious collisions between cyclists and large vehicles on the roads.
But as well as motorists, cyclists who drive dangerously or carelessly can also be prosecuted for various offences, including those contained in the Road Traffic Act 1988 and can receive hefty penalties.
James Holt