UK MP calls for cyclists to use number plates to tackle anti-social behaviour

A UK MP has reignited a long-standing debate by calling for cyclists to use number plates in a bid to curb anti-social behaviour.

Shipley MP Sir Philip Davies made the call in a letter to Secretary of State for Transport Mark Harper, in which he pointed to issues in his constituency with cycling-related anti-social behaviour. According to Davies, many constituents have raised concerns about incidents involving cyclists, and he believes introducing number plates would make those responsible “identifiable”.

It’s an idea that is regularly touted in the UK and would involve cyclists using plates similar to those used on motor vehicles, with the idea being that it would make them identifiable. However, if ever implemented, it could open up other new laws, such as mandatory insurance. Any such ideas are often strongly opposed by cycling charities and organisations too, with concerns that implementing such a policy would deter people from cycling.

“People have been saying to me that there have been incidents of anti-social behaviour involving cyclists and there is no way of tracking those that cause problems or flout the laws of the road,” Sir Davies said in the letter, as reported by Telegraph and Argus.

"They have suggested that if cyclists were forced to have a registration plate it would mean they were identifiable and could resolve the problem as those who chose to cycle in an irresponsible manner would know there will be consequences.”

Read more: ‘Shocking lack of progress’: Charity criticises UK government for latest active travel figures

Any cyclists worried about the prospect of Davies’ call being implemented can take a sigh of relief for now, as it’s unlikely to be actioned anytime soon. Similar calls have been made on multiple occasions in the past and the UK government has routinely dismissed them, most recently in October 2023 when Minister of State at the Department for Transport Jesse Norman knocked back the idea in parliament.

There was an exception to that trend in 2022 when then Transport Minister Grant Shapps proposed number plates for cyclists in an interview with the Daily Mail, saying: “I see no reason why cyclists should break the road laws and be able to get away with it.

“That obviously does then lead you into the question of, well, how are you going to recognise the cyclist, do you need registration plates and insurance and that sort of thing?”

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