Brighton cyclist ordered to pay £1,000 for ignoring one-way sign

A cyclist from Brighton has ended up with a bill for more than £1,000 after he ignored the one-way traffic rule in St James’s Street in Kemp Town.

PC Elaine Welsh gave Jean Blaison, 59, of Phonenix Rise, Brighton, a £30 fixed penalty notice in July 2011. She said that he narrowly missed colliding with a pedestrian.

Mr Blaison appealed against the fine to Brighton Magistrates’ Court but it was upheld. He then appealed to the crown court.

His appeal was dismissed by a judge at Hove Crown Court on Thursday 20 December, landing Mr Blaison with a fine and court costs of more than £1,000.

Sussex Police said that from next Monday (14 January) there would be a “new year crackdown on cyclists ignoring one-way signs in Brighton”.

Officers from the Brighton Neighbourhood Police Team plan to issue tickets to cyclists caught contravening traffic signs, including red lights.

The force said that the aim was partly intended to raise awareness that the rules of the road apply to motorists and cyclists alike.

PC Welsh said: “Cyclists travelling the wrong way in St James’s Street is the biggest complaint from local residents and business owners and can end in serious injury for both pedestrians and cyclists. “St James’s Street is a single lane road and a main bus route and is incredibly busy at certain times of the day.

“We will be actively looking for those caught ignoring the one-way signs and issuing them with on the spot fines.

“I am pleased that Blaison’s appeals were dismissed as he refused point black to accept responsibility for his actions or almost hitting the pedestrian.

“The roads are for everyone to use and enjoy and we all know that cycling is a great way to get around the city but those who blatantly flaunt the rules, if caught, will be fined.”

Last year a dozen one-way streets near by, in the North Laine area of Brighton, were opened up for cycling in both directions by Brighton and Hove City Council.