NEARLY half of the cyclists caught without lights in York during a winter crackdown chose to pay large fines rather than get lights installed.

The baffling figures have emerged since the launch of the pioneering police scheme to target bike riders who put themselves and others at risk by going without lights.

Cyclists caught by the police would ordinarily face a £30 fine - but under the initiative they are offered the option of escaping a penalty by agreeing to mend faulty lights or buy new ones.

Sergeant Nigel Tottie, who co-ordinates the community cycle unit, said out of 289 cyclists stopped in the last five months, 135 did not comply with the scheme, and were forced to pay fines ranging from £70 to £120.

The remaining 154 riders complied with the initiative by fitting lights and avoiding prosecution.

Under the scheme, cycle owners stopped without legal lights are given a ticket which must be validated at any of the city's cycle shops before being presented at a police station within 14 days.

"I'm disappointed with the figures," Sgt Tottie said.

"Up until Christmas most people were complying with the scheme, but since then it has dropped right off.

"I'm amazed that these people have actually chosen to pay fines.

"On the positive side we have at least ensured that 154 more York cyclists are now using lights at night, which can only enhance their safety and that of other road users."

Updated: 11:11 Saturday, April 05, 2003