CYCLISTS AND DRIVERS IN BRIGG TOWN CENTRE CAUSE CONCERN

A former Brigg Town Mayor has highlighted the safety issue posed by bikes being ridden through the pedestrian-only part of our town centre.
This is not permitted, and Coun James Truepenny (pictured) - speaking during  the Town Council's September meeting - suggested action was needed.
He drew attention to cyclists "not slowing down" and reported that some pedestrians were worried about being struck.
Could North Lincolnshire Council do something about?
The issue of vehicles being driven through the town centre was also raised at this point in the discussions by another councillor.

Coun Carl Sherwood (above), a cabinet member of the unitary authority as well as being a town councillor, said North Lincolnshire Council could NOT take action  where offenders were on the move. Such cases could only be dealt with by the police.
But Coun Sherwood said he would get North Lincolnshire Council to raise the issue with the police.

Coun Ron Waltham (above), North Lincolnshire Council's deputy leader, also offered to place this matter on the agenda for a future meeting of the Brigg & Wolds Neighbourhood Action Team (NAT).
The NAT includes representatives of North Lincolnshire Council, local parish and town councils and social landlord Ongo.

Coun Mike Storey (above) told Monday night's Town Council meeting that vehicles continued to be an issue within the pedestrian zone, some being driven all the way through the Market Place and along Wrawby Street. 
Well ahead of Monday's meeting, Brigg Blog contacted North Lincolnshire Council about the issue of cycling in prohibited areas and was told that community wardens do not have powers to deal with cycle-riding problems like this.
We have highlighted the issue of cycles being ridden - and vehicles being driven - through our  town centre many times previously.
Brigg Blog fears it will continue until someone in authority takes a stand and decides on a "blitz" spread over some few weeks. 
It now looks as though the police will have to be persuaded to deploy some officers (constables and/or PCSOs). However, CCTV footage from North Lincolnshire Council's existing Brigg town centre cameras might well assist them with their inquiries.
Once fines/fixed penalties have been imposed and  errant cyclists and drivers know that people are being made to pay, we will see a massive reduction in an annoying problem that has been with us for years.
People should be able to walk and shop freely in Brigg town centre without having to watch out for approaching cyclists or make way for vehicles that should not be there.
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