THE county councillor responsible for highways has slammed city council officials plan to lift the ban on city centre cycling.

Councillor Alan Amos described the move as "utter madness" and said he is expecting accidents if it goes ahead.

A pre-consultation has been launched on the proposal, which would remove the ban on city centre cycling currently in place daily between 10.30am and 4.30pm.

Worcester City Council says the ban has been “clearly unenforceable” and “there is no evidence cycles in the pedestrianised areas have created any safety issues”. The council also points out the rule change would bring Worcester into line with most similar sized town centres in Britain.

But Cllr Amos said: "It is political correctness gone mad.

"It is very dangerous for elderly people, for people pushing buggies.

"When you are in the city centre you should not have to be constantly looking over your shoulder for cyclists weaving between pedestrians.

"It is dangerous, it is very stupid.

"It is utter madness, there will be all sorts of accidents.

"I have no doubt the consultation will get through though as the vast majority will be in favour - as the cycling lobby will ensure that happens.

"Cyclists are involved in more accidents than any other group of travellers using the road.

"The city council are saying they haven’t been able to enforce it - but they haven’t tried to enforce it.

"It is going to be a disaster."

Previously Mike Cooper, spokesman for Worcester cycling campaign group PushBike Worcestershire, welcomed the move.

“What the council say on safety is correct,” he said.

“As far as I am aware there has been no injuries to pedestrians. On the basis of that history, I think the council is making the right decision. There are irresponsible elements in any group - but those cyclists are a very small number. There are irresponsible motorists as well.”

The consultation can be found at worcester.gov.uk/voiceit.