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OPINION: Cyclists get a ‘wake up’ reminder – could it happen in Cambridgeshire?
Tannoy system piloted by NE Lincolnshire Council
An idea being trialled in Grimsby might have possibilities for use in Cambridgeshire. Here’s what is happening up there in Lincolnshire. Cyclists in Grimsby’s main pedestrianised street have been greeted by a new Tannoy message, asking them to dismount or face a £100 fine, as part of a trial in the town centre.
Piloted by North East Lincolnshire Council, the idea is to use the public message system, which can deployed alongside the new CCTV cameras, to relay all kinds of information.
The trial was started this week to coincide with a monthly ‘Day of Action’ in the town centre. The council and Humberside Police, along with their partners, run the days once a month to promote united working to make the town centre a safer and more pleasant place to be.
Responding to issues such as antisocial behaviour, rough sleepers, littering and cycling, the officers, which includes the Waste Investigations Support & Enforcement (WiSE) enforcement team, enforce the Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) – which covers cycling. Traffic officers from Equans also clamp down on illegal parking.
Meanwhile specialist workers from support services such as We Are With You are there to offer advice to people including rough sleepers or others who have drug addiction or alcohol issues.
Day of action Grimsby briefing
The Tannoy message, which was played out at 15-minute intervals, says: “For everyone’s safety, cycling is not allowed in Grimsby Town Centre. There is a £100 fine for those caught. Please respect others and enjoy your visit here today.”
It was seen to be working during the afternoon with cyclists getting off to walk on hearing it.
The day was attended by Chief Supt Paul French who is responsible for policing across North and North East Lincolnshire, and North East Lincolnshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, Cllr Ron Shepherd.
Cllr Shepherd said: “I would like to thank all those here today. This is very much a joined-up approach to working and tackling some of the issues we have. A team effort is needed and that is what we have here.”
Turning to the use of the Tannoy, he added: “This is very much a trial. Cycling in Victoria Street has been one of the major issues identified by both visitors and businesses. People have said they worry about injury and being hit as people hurtle down the street on their cycles and it is simply not safe. If this helps drive the message home that we are prepared to do something to stop this, then that is a good thing.
He added: “In the future however, we could look at how else we could use Tannoys to deliver messages to people. For example, important safety information around Cleethorpes beach, or keeping people up to date on what is happening and where during events. I know in some areas music is also played via such systems, and that is also a possibility. Tannoys are not just about enforcement but could prove really useful in many other areas.”
Police went on to praise the Day of Action initiative and spoke of their greater efforts to reduce antisocial behaviour in Grimsby.
Cllr Shepherd and Chief Supt Paul French
Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Claire Jacobs said: “We recognise the impact of antisocial behaviour, and we are absolutely committed to playing our part through our partnership approach to take action and make a difference.
“Over recent months our activity has included increasing police patrols, deploying the proactive drugs detection dog, along with targeted arrests for offences such as shoplifting, ensuring action is taken against those who choose to cause harm in our communities.
“Today, Wednesday 24 July, we are also taking part in a day of action which means we are out speaking with the local community to find out about any concerns and show those who think it is acceptable to commit such behaviour that we will not tolerate it in our area.
“We recognise that there is still more work to do, and we are committed to playing our part through our partnership approach to take action and make a difference.
“We would always encourage the public to continue talking to us about any crimes or issues. This helps ensure our patrols are as efficient and successful as they possibly can be, and all helps towards the aim of making Grimsby town centre a more welcoming place to live, visit and work.”
