The police whistle is returning to Cambridge after thirty years. The whistle, not used in Britain since 1975, will combat errant cyclists.

Whilst traditionally used to call for back up or communicate with other officers, Cambridge police officers intend to prevent the city’s students flouting traffic laws. Local constables describe “anti-social” cycling as a “massive problem.”

In a city of 30,000 cyclists, it is thought that whistles will help uphold oft-ignored traffic law; the large annual influx of foreign students, unaccustomed to cycle laws, may also contribute to the problem.

PC Steve Hinks trialled a whistle, finding it a real success: “Anti-social cyclists are a huge problem and we constantly have to deal with them.

“When a cyclist is coming towards me, I can stop them by putting out my hand. But if they just go past me the whistle stops them in their tracks. If I were to start shouting ‘excuse me’ I’d look like an idiot.”

Initially, twelve police officers will carry the whistles, which bear a greater resemblance to the modern football referee’s whistle than the traditional police version.

Officers in other counties will be paying close attention to the scheme’s success. Jim Teversham, of Police Memorabilia Collectors, believes the plan is a good idea: “Cambridge has a unique situation with cyclists. They could be of use in other cities too.”

Cambridge Constabulary claims that “members of the public have applauded its use,” though how supportive they will be once the piercing noise becomes a regular feature of Cambridge life is yet to be seen.

Martin McQuade