A Deliveroo worker taking food and medicine to residents in lockdown was slapped with a 'crippling' fine for cycling through a virtually empty city centre pedestrian zone.

Ethan Bradley says he was

A Deliveroo worker taking food and medicine to residents in lockdown was slapped with a 'crippling' fine for cycling through a virtually empty city centre pedestrian zone.

Ethan Bradley says he was manhandled by a Police Community Support Officer, who was 'confrontational' when handing out the £50 fine in York earlier in April. 

Trade union chiefs have hit out at the fine, believing it cost Mr Bradley almost an entire day's wages.

Deliveroo rider Ethan Bradley is fined by a Police Community Support Officer after cycling through a pedestrian zone in York city centre

The officer can be seen grabbing Mr Bradley's handlebars as he dished out the £50 fine

As reported by MEN Media, The Independent Workers Union of Great Britain said City of York Council had given 'confusing guidance' that suggested city centre traffic restrictions had been lifted, yet the council said traffic restrictions were not relaxed at any point. 

Mr Bradley said: 'I was absolutely shocked by the confrontational behaviour of the officer who stopped me.

'He not only grabbed my handlebars and threatened me with arrest if I did not give my details, but by not using protective equipment put both myself and my customers at risk.'

The Union has written to the council asking for the fine to be cancelled, adding that several couriers were fined £50 by police for breaching traffic regulations on April 18.

Mr Bradley claims he was threatened with arrest by the officer and believes he was put at risk by the lack of protective equipment

In a letter, the union wrote: 'Day in, day out, couriers are delivering food and groceries to those people self-isolating and the many thousands in York adhering to the stay at home instruction directive of the UK government.

'At a time when the strength of community bonds is relied upon, York's couriers are volunteering to deliver groceries and hot meals for the NHS workers and prescriptions to those at highest risk from Covid-19.'

The union said it had been told the pedestrian zone rules were suspended and is calling for clearer guidance.

North Yorkshire Police said restrictions to stop drivers and cyclists using pedestrianised streets were still in place.

Deliveroo cyclists have been delivering food and groceries to those self-isolating up and down the country

A spokesman for the force said: 'Although the city centre streets are currently very quiet due to the lockdown, this does not mean that pedestrianised areas can be used by cyclists and other vehicles.

'North Yorkshire Police is not responsible for lifting or imposing these restrictions, this is a council matter, but if cyclists and drivers are breaching the restrictions police can enforce them.'

City of York Council said while the bollards that are usually put up to stop people driving or cycling through the city centre in pedestrian hours were removed at the start of the lockdown, the traffic restrictions were never dropped.

In a statement, the council said: 'Whilst food delivery couriers may be classed as essential services and key workers during the pandemic, this does not extend to a relaxation of traffic regulations for these services.'