I write in answer to Paul Mitchell (Letters, September 14), who wants rogue cyclists to be subject to on-the-spot fines, with their bikes confiscated if they cannot pay.
Whatever the rights or wrongs of cycling on the pavement, he forgets a vitally important point.
Ever since the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215, a person is innocent until proved guilty in a court of law. Until that changes, there can be no fine or seizure of property.
That right of trial was confirmed by the Bill of Rights 1689, as amended by the Act of Settlement in 1701. This is the Act of Parliament by which our present Queen rules over us.
That right of trial is confirmed again under Article 6 of the Human Right Act.
The Queen’s coronation oath charges her to defend that right of trial.
This is what makes wheel clamping, in my opinion, illegal.
This is something I challenged by judicial review in March of last year. Mr Justice Edwards-Stewart disagreed with my interpretation, but gave extended leave to appeal to the Supreme Court.
The only reason I have not taken up that offer is because I cannot afford the costs if I was to lose at the Supreme Court.
Stuart Bower, Towers Road, Upper Beeding
Could someone please tell me if the top promenade from Black Rock to the Palace Pier in Brighton is for pedestrians or cyclists?
If you are knocked down by a cyclist who do you claim from? The council or the cyclist?
One has to dodge bikes as some use this stretch as a racetrack. This is an accident waiting to happen.
There is already a cycle lane on the lower promenade, so why don’t they use that?
We must do something before there is a serious accident.
name and address supplied
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