PLAIN clothes police officer cycle patrols are being introduced to make drivers more aware of passing cyclists on the road.

Officers often use bicycles that are equipped with front and rear video cameras that are constantly recording whilst the officers are patrolling.

Generally, officers will patrol in full uniform to offer a high visibility officer presence, but after receiving comments from the public, they have now increased plain clothes operations to catch more drivers.

READ MORE: Parish council denies it wants to stop Welland Steam Rally

PC Dave Olczak said: "Although the majority of our patrols will still be carried out in uniform, we have introduced some ‘Operation Close Pass’ patrols in plain clothes. 

"If the public thinks that any cyclist that they pass could be a potential police officer in plain clothes, hopefully, it will make them think harder about their actions when passing said cyclist."

"Another thing that a few members of the public have responded with when we have publicised our activities is that we are only patrolling in nice weather.

We would like to reassure the public that this is just not true. We carry out ‘operation close pass’ wind, rain or shine."

PC Olczak also said that the police are also looking out for poor cycling on the roads as well.

He said: "We would like to reassure the public that we do also look out for poor cycling and dangerous cycling during operation close pass, on foot patrols around the area and whilst on mobile patrols in police cars.

"If you are witnessed by a Police officer cycling through a red traffic light, then you can expect to be reported for the offence."

The highway code states that drivers should be leaving at least 1.5 metres (five feet) when overtaking people cycling at speeds of up to 30mph, and giving them more space when overtaking at higher speeds.

READ MORE: Malvern Rocks festival director praises return of event

Drivers should wait behind them and not overtake if it’s unsafe or not possible to meet these clearances.

Drivers and cyclists can also submit bike cam and dash cam footage to West Mercia Police via ‘Operation Snap’ on the West Mercia Police website.

This footage is then reviewed by traffic officers.