North East Lincolnshire Council has hailed a ‘day of action’ which included the first day of its new Tannoy system trial as a ‘success’ despite cyclists continuing to ignore the rules while loud warnings played and in the presence of enforcement officers.
The scheme was launched yesterday, Wednesday 24 July, to coincide with a monthly ‘day of action’ which is jointly hosted by the Council, Humberside Police and their partners. The new initiative uses a public audio message system, which plays every 15 minutes, alongside CCTV cameras to warn the public of the ban on cycling in Grimsby town centre.
The audio message, which has already prompted widespread opposition from the public, 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.”
NELC has said the trial was “seen to be working during the afternoon with cyclists getting off to walk on hearing it.” However reporters for Gi Grimsby News attended the location in the afternoon and witnessed an overwhelming number of people continuing to cycle up and down Victoria Street despite the message.
Discussing the project, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, Councillor Ron 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.”
He continued: “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.
“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.”
