A lorry driver failed to leave enough room when overtaking two cyclists, causing one to veer sharply to avoid a collision.
Lindsay Lock, 60, of Low Road, Ayr was fined £370 and received three penalty points on his license for acting in an aggressive manner and driving a lorry without due care and attention on the B746 at Troon on April 23 last year.
Ayr Sheriff Court heard two cyclists were riding single file on the B746, near to Deveron Road, when they heard Lock, of Ayr, shouting behind them.
Depute fiscal Emma Gilliland said: “Both witnesses were unable to hear what was being shouted but were of the opinion that the shouting was aggressive and towards them.”
The court heard as Lock approached a hill, his HGV entered the righthand lane overtaking the cyclists.
Ms Gilliland said: “Both witnesses believe it was too close to them.
“One said it was between five to seven inches [away from them] as it passed them, causing one to veer sharply to avoid a collision.”
The police were contacted who contacted the company that the vehicle was registered to and Lock was traced to his home address.
Solicitor Tony Currie said Lock has had a drivers license since he was 18, owning a HGV license since he was 25, and has been with the same company for 30 years.
Mr Currie said: “He has no previous convictions and has never had a penalty point on his license, he tells me.
“This is a genuine one off for a man who has driven for a living.”
Mr Currie said the location of the offence was a single lane along the seafront from Troon to Barassie, and that Lock was driving a full truck while approaching an incline.
He said: “He became aware of the two cyclists. They were not in single file at that point and two or three cars were behind them.
“He moved out and due to the incline and weight in the lorry it took him some time to get passed the cyclists.
“Once he got over, there’s a part over the trainlines and that’s where he’s passed back in.
“He doesn’t have much recollection of what was shouted.
“But it’s an error of judgement on his part.
“He continues in his employment and they are aware of this.”
Sheriff Diane Turner told Lock: “As a HGV driver I’m sure you’ve seen more than your fair share of incidents. It’s incumbent to exhibit more patience perhaps than others.
“I do think this was an incident brought out of frustration, and cutting back in was probably more to do with the lights in front of you and not necessarily the cyclists.
“Nevertheless, you were in a large vehicle and they are cyclists who are more vulnerable.”
Lock was fine £370 and given three penalty points on his license.
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