Cyclist surprised by way police van driven

A DUNDEE cycle commuter has posted video of the moment a police van came “within inches” of colliding with him.

David Evans, 31, says the incident is an example of the kind of “close pass” the police have vowed to stamp out by other drivers – and says the officer involved should be setting a better example.

The incident happened on Claypotts Road in Broughty Ferry shortly before 8am as David was making his way from his home in Monifieth to his work in Dundee. The father-of-two said: “Seeing it was the police was surprising. There was all manner of silly driving going on — overtaking on a blind corner, a close pass and into oncoming traffic. It was ill-judged.”

Rule 163 of the Highway Code says drivers should “give motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car”.

It also says drivers should “give way to oncoming vehicles before passing parked vehicles or other obstructions on your side of the road”. David said the police driver failed to do either of these things.

David cycles to work every day and began recording his rides after being left injured in an accident. David says most motorists are courteous and careful.

A spokesman for Police Scotland’s Tayside Division said: “We will look into the matter and establish the circumstances”.