Put number plates on bikes, headmaster tells his pupils

A HEADMASTER sparked controversy after banning pupils from cycling to school unless they put number plates on their bikes.

Stanley Park High in Carshalton, south London, is launching the scheme, which would enable the public to report pupils riding irresponsibly, next Monday.

Children will be issued the plates and ‘will not be permitted to cycle to school, or lock their bicycles on school grounds’ if they do not display them. Headmaster Amit Amin said it was a response to cases of pupils cycling in a way that ‘endangers themselves and others’. The school said in a statement yesterday: ‘The aim of this initiative is simply to ensure their safety as they travel to and from school.’

Cycling UK, a charity, attacked the move, and said Mr Amin’s stance ‘seems to be part of a trend of headteachers trespassing on parental responsibilities’.