POLICE are advising cyclists in Essex to light-up during darker hours to avoid becoming road crash casualties.The warning comes from road policing officers who have noticed increases in lapses of basic road safety rules, with motorists also on the rece

POLICE are advising cyclists in Essex to "light-up" during darker hours to avoid becoming road crash casualties.

The warning comes from road policing officers who have noticed increases in lapses of basic road safety rules, with motorists also on the receiving end of some simple road traffic legislation reminders.

Road Policing Sergeant Mick Green said: "We've noticed that there have been more people willing to put their lives on the line by riding their bikes along the roads without using any light-coloured clothing at all.

"Sadly, summer has come to an end and the evenings are becoming darker in. As a result, people should be making themselves seen to others, especially pedestrians and drivers.

"They need to wear bright clothing during the daytime and fluroscent bands when taking to the streets at night. In addition, they need to use cycle lights for the same safety reasons, as well as being able to see where they're going."

Road policing officers are also focusing on other road users who are flouting the law, but more importantly putting theirs and others lives' at risk.

Sgt Green added: "Wearing seatbelts in the backseats of vehicles is compulsory and those who don't stand a good chance of seriously injuring or even killing those in the front seats.

"Anyone over the age of 16 is liable to a �60 non-endorsable fine, with drivers having to pay the fine for any illegally-unstrapped youngsters.

"Drivers who travel while using a mobile telephone face an automatic �60 endorsable fine.

"However, if involved in a crash, then a court trip is likely and the punishment more severe.