A DISTRICT MP has raised with the Government the issue of whether bicycles should have number plates.

Sir Philip Davies, whose Shipley constituency includes Cullingworth and Denholme, said he had been contacted by a number of concerned residents who felt the measure could help combat anti-social behaviour by some cyclists.

He has now written to the Transport Minister Mark Harper asking him for the Government's view on the idea and if such a move may be implemented.

"People have told me about incidents of anti-social behaviour involving cyclists and say there is currently no way of tracking those that cause problems or flout the laws of the road," says Sir Philip.

"It's been suggested that if cyclists were forced to have a registration plate, it would mean they were identifiable, and those who chose to cycle in an irresponsible manner would know there will be consequences.

"It is an issue that has been raised before, most recently a few months ago in the House of Lords when former chief of the Metropolitan Police Lord Hogan Howe said cyclists should have number plates.

"I will discuss the Government’s response with residents once I receive a reply from the Department for Transport."