POLICE are putting the brakes on cyclists who are causing misery for town centre shoppers.

Anyone caught riding through the pedestrianised areas of Redcar's shopping precincts will be issued with a £30 fixed penalty.

Cleveland Police have teamed up with the council for the initiative following a number of complaints from shoppers and store owners in the town.

PC Sarah Dean, ward officer for the Coatham area, said: "This is quite simply a safety issue. While many cyclists act responsibly and heed the signs, a small number are either too lazy or believe that riding through shoppers is acceptable."

John Partridge, Redcar town centre manager, said: "The pedestrianised areas of the town centre have been designed to provide a safe environment for shoppers and visitors of all ages.

"Cycling in these areas is dangerous and I fully support this initiative.

"We need to drive home the message that we will no longer tolerate such anti-social behaviour."