MORE than 100 people were stopped by police for not having lights on their bikes as part of a crackdown in Oxford.

Thames Valley Police roads policing department carried out cycle light checks on Wednesday and stopped 102 cyclists not displaying working lights on their bicycles.

The checks took place as part of its 'Cycle Lights Scheme', which is now run all-year-round across the Force.

Roads policing officers were on the High Street between 5.30pm and 8.30pm.

Road Safety Pc Mark Pilling said: "We carry out these checks in order to educate cyclists as to the importance of being fully visible to all other road users.

"Cyclists must have a red light to the rear and a white light to the front of their bike and it is advisable to wear either some fluorescent or high visibility clothing and a cycle helmet. They are reminded to remove the lights when they lock up their bikes to prevent them from being stolen.

"While a cyclist may be able to see where they are going on a well lit street, this does not mean they are fully visible to motorists approaching with their headlights on.

"We will be carrying out further checks during the coming months."

Any cyclists stopped had three options: to either pay an on-the-spot £50 fixed penalty notice, complete an online cycle safety diversion course costing £30, or challenge the matter in a magistrates' court.

On Wednesday, most of those stopped indicated a preference for completing the safety course.

In court, if the cyclist pleads not guilty or fails to comply with the conditions of the notice, or is reported to court by the officer rather than being given a ticket, then the court can fine the them up to a maximum of £1,000 per offence.