Tour of Britain cyclists could face speed fines in Welshpool

It wouldn't happen on the Tour de France. But cyclists taking part in this year's Tour of Britain could be hit with speeding fines when they come through Welshpool.

The tour is set to begin stage four in the Mid Wales town on September 14.

Peter Hodges, tour spokesman, said cyclists could be fined if they exceeded the speed limit on the town's streets, even though the roads are officially closed during the race.

He claimed however it was "highly unlikely" as the town centre formed an early part of the stage and cyclists would not be hitting top speeds. The cyclists are expected to take a tour through the town centre by following the one-way system before heading out into the Montgomeryshire countryside and towards South Wales.

A law which has been changed across Europe but not in the UK means cyclists, as well as accompanying cars and motorbikes, could be fined for speeding despite the roads being closed.

Mr Hodges said: "If they were caught in a speed trap, then they could be fined, but more often it is the cars from the race convoy that set off speed cameras, if indeed they do, or the police outriders on their motorbikes."