UNDERCOVER police used Bolton streets to test a new project to make Greater Manchester’s roads safer for cyclists.

And from March 20, officers will continue posing as plain clothed cyclists in order to spot drivers who overtake dangerously close in a Greater Manchester-wide campaign.

Once a dangerous driver has been identified, a police patrol vehicle will be called in to intercept the motorist and offer on-the-spot education on how to safely overtake cyclists.

Drivers who refuse the education will be charged with driving without due care and attention, which could result in them receiving a fine and points on their licence.

The cycling officers will wear body cameras, along with cameras fixed to their bikes, to capture any offences witnessed, including motorists using a mobile, failing to wear a seatbelt and any other offences committed whilst driving.

Following the success of a similar strategy employed by West Midlands Police, officers from Greater Manchester Police’s traffic unit will cycle the roads of Greater Manchester to spot drivers who overtake them at a distance of under 1.5 metres — the Highway Code’s recommended safe passing distance.

A number of ‘close pass’ trials have already taken place in Bolton, as well as Tameside and Manchester. The initiative will be rolled out gradually across all of Greater Manchester.

Inspector Paul Rowe from GMP’s collision investigation unit said: “The close pass initiative aims to educate drivers on how to safely share the roads with cyclists.”