Dark winter evenings and poor weather have prompted Swindon police to launch a crackdown on cyclists to promote road safety in the run-up to Christmas and the New Year.

Specific attention is to be paid to all cyclists who are riding without lights, on pavements, in pedestrian areas or in an unsafe manner.

Those who do not heed the police warning will be dealt with by way of fixed penalty tickets and verbal warnings.

In the case of young children, letters will be sent to parents advising them of the dangers.

Road safety officer, Sgt Dave Melvin, said: "Statistics show that pedal cyclists are very vulnerable at all times of the year, but particularly in the winter months.

"Anything which can be done to improve road safety is to be welcomed."