Social media split on who is in the wrong as dashcam footage emerges

Video footage of four cyclists appearing to run a red light has divided opinion on social media, with users calling for the full video to be posted showing the 'offence'.

The clip shows four cyclists in front of a red light waiting to make a right turn, with a line of traffic behind them. 

It was posted on 'X', formerly known as Twitter, by Surrey Police's Vanguard Road Safety Team.

The caption reads: 'VanguardRST stopped these 4 cyclists in Esher after they were observed contravening a red traffic light. FPN's issued to all.'

But people on social media aren't convinced that an offence was committed, with users calling for the earlier 10 seconds of footage to be posted showing the cyclists running the red light.

One person said: 'I'm very disappointed in this tweet. The video that you have posted does not show any offence being committed. 

'If I were to submit this to Met Police of a motor vehicle doing the same they would not proceed with a prosecution. Your account is usually unbiased.'

Another person wrote: 'If they weren't already over the line when the light changed to red, how come the car behind them is already up to the stop line? 

'You should have shown the offense, that would have stopped all these challenges.'

'I'm sure you did, but this video doesn't actually show the offence,' said another.

Another said: 'It would be nice if the video showed an offence, since the way that junction works is for traffic to sit in the right lane past the white line at which point they are free to turn even on red. 

'I'm sure it happened, but the video shows no offence.'

Some people defended the action taken by police, saying cyclists need to follow the rules of the road like everyone else.

One person wrote: 'Why do vulnerable road users put themselves at unnecessary risk?' 

Another said: 'It's about time, too I see cyclists going through Red traffic lights all the time or jumping on to the footpath and back onto the road again to bypass the traffic lights.'

Another wrote: Good. IF they jumped the lights they get a ticket. Simple. Surprised you could see them, not a single one wearing Hi-Viz. should have been invisible. Puts that argument and the cyclist never get punished one to bed.'

'Good! More policing of rule breaking cyclists and visibility of it will hopefully 1) cut down on it and 2) dismantle the perception that we're all law breakers who get away with it. I stop at every red,' said another.