This edition features a close pass incident from Thursday, 31st October 2024, on the B6120 Scholes Lane in Scholes, Kirklees, which involved a black Peugeot 5008.
The map shows the location of the incident and the direction the cyclist was travelling. Let’s review that close pass again in slow motion.
The footage was uploaded to the West Yorkshire Police Safer Roads Media Submission Portal on the same day. An email with a unique reference number was received confirming the submission. On Monday, 4th November 2024, police replied to inform us that as a result of the footage, enquiries were underway to trace the driver for the identified offences.
This process starts with a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) being issued to the vehicle’s registered keeper within 14 days of the offence. Receiving a NIP doesn’t automatically mean a prosecution will occur; it is a formal warning that one may follow. The recipient then has 28 days to identify the driver. It’s crucial to be truthful, as providing false information may constitute the serious offence of perverting the course of justice. Failing to comply with the NIP is also an offence under Section 172 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, carrying six penalty points and a maximum fine of ÂŁ1,000 on conviction.
Information from Operation Snap for the period October to December 2024 shows the driver was dealt with for the offence RT88576: ‘Drive a mechanically propelled vehicle on a road or public place without reasonable consideration’. This falls under Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and applies when a driver’s actions inconvenience another road user.
This is a clear violation of Highway Code Rule 163, which governs safe overtaking. It states that you should only pass when it is safe and legal to do so, giving cyclists at least as much room as you would a car. As a guide, the rule specifies leaving at least 1.5 metres when overtaking at speeds up to 30 mph, and even more space at higher speeds. If this is not possible, the driver must wait.
So, what was the penalty? Operation Snap data shows the driver was offered an Educational Course. These courses are aimed at changing driver attitudes and preventing reoffending, and a driver can only attend one in a three-year period. The driver had 28 days to book the course and 120 days from the offence date to complete it, while still retaining the option of a fixed penalty or having the matter heard in court.
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We will be back with another edition of West Yorkshire Cycling soon. Until then, please take care when out cycling.
