A crackdown has been launched by police in a bid to put a stop to people who cycle on pavements in Stevenage town centre.

A full maintenance review of ‘No Cycling’ signs in the town centre was carried out on Thursday, when six people were reported for cycling on footpaths.

Sergeant Alison Hutchin from the Stevenage Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “I would like to take this opportunity to remind the cyclists of Stevenage that it is an offence to cycle on the pavement.

“The town centre area is clearly posted with ‘No Cycling’ signs and we are targeting enforcement of this area because the public have raised concerns and tell us that they are fearful of being injured by colliding with a cyclist. This is especially concerning for elderly or vulnerable members of the community whose lives could be permanently damaged from a fall caused by a collision with a cyclist.

“I certainly do not want to discourage cycling in Stevenage as I recognise that it is a healthy and environmentally friendly mode of transport. If you are cycling to town then comply with the signs and push your bike to one of the racks. If you need to get to the other side of town then use the designated cycle path network. If you don’t comply then you are committing an offence which can result in a £50 fine or a summons to court.”

The review formed part of an environmental action day which was held in conjunction with Stevenage Borough Council and Herts Fire and Rescue Service.

As part of the day crime prevention advice was also given to commercial businesses, fire regulation checks were carried out, and issues of fly-tipping and littering were addressed.

The nearby Town Centre Gardens was also visited following concerns about potential damage and criminal activity in the area.

Councillor Richard Henry, responsible for issues surrounding safer communities, older people and health at the borough council, said: “We want the town to be a clean and safe place for people to enjoy, and these environmental action days help us to ensure that this is the case. Our teams regularly go out with the police and fire services to check that commercial properties are complying with fire regulations, identify any signs of damage, anti-social behaviour or drug use in residential areas and issue fixed penalty notices to people littering in the town.”