A motorist was fined over $530 and given five penalty points for dangerously overtaking a group of cyclists.
The case highlights new guidance in the Highway Code. Public opinion is divided, with some feeling the police acted appropriately and others believing the ruling was excessive.
Motorist penalized for dangerous overtake
A motorist has received five penalty points and a £417 fine for passing a group of cyclists too closely.
In footage shared by the Sheffield North West policing team, the driver of a silver Peugeot is seen accelerating and partially crossing into the oncoming lane to overtake the cyclists.
The cyclists were maneuvering around a parked car in single file, and one cyclist’s camera captured the incident.
Police clarified that cyclists were present both ahead and behind the camera holder.
Divided opinions among motorists and cyclists
The prosecution has fueled debate, with some drivers criticizing the ruling.
The Alliance of British Drivers described the decision as “idiotic” and argued it harms the credibility of both courts and police.
Some critics even suggested that the cyclists should have yielded to the car due to the parked vehicle in their lane.
However, police have defended the ruling.
They stated that if the driver had slowed down and maintained his lane, no action would have been taken.
According to a police spokesperson, the driver endangered multiple cyclists by choosing to accelerate rather than adjust his speed or lane position.
On social media, some users backed the police, agreeing that the driver acted dangerously.
One user commented: The driver should have stayed in his lane and waited for a safe opportunity to pass.
Another wrote: Crossing the line into oncoming traffic is careless and unsafe, especially at high speeds.
Someone else said: How stupid, clearly you are not a cyclist. How could he just stop behind a parked car to be mowed down by the car behind him.
Another added: The biker moved out to overtake park car, thought it was a bus, he move into danger the car driver was over the centre line, because he was pushed over towards the edge of the road. And had to readjust.
Others criticized the Alliance of British Drivers for “defending illegal driving,” with some saying the group’s comments could worsen public perceptions of drivers.
Police warns of consequences for unsafe driving
The Sheffield police also emphasized that any road user could be recording potential offenses. The driver received a Section 59 warning, meaning if he’s caught driving carelessly or antisocially within a year, his vehicle could be seized.
A police representative added, “Those who endanger vulnerable road users by poor driving will face consequences.”
This incident occurred last August, prior to recent Highway Code updates. The new guidelines advise motorists to maintain a minimum 1.5-meter distance when overtaking cyclists at speeds up to 30 mph, and to give even more space at higher speeds.
The updated code introduces a “hierarchy of road users” that places the most vulnerable at the top, starting with pedestrians, followed by cyclists, horse riders, and motorcyclists.