A driver who hit a cyclist in Richmond Park causing serious facial injuries has been fined £150.

The Nissan driver, who has not been named, pled guilty to driving without due care & attention at a hearing last week (September 10).

He knocked down a cyclist after failing to see the bike rider at a junction near Richmond Park's Ham Gate earlier this year, on February 18.

The victim was taken to hospital and his injuries were described as not life threatening. Police say the cyclist has now made a good recovery.

After hitting the bike rider the Nissan driver mistook the accelerator for the brake pedal and went down the nearby hill, Ham Dip, at speed.

He smashed into the metal barriers near the pond, narrowly avoiding the trees.

Dramatic photos of the crash wreckage at the time showed an elderly person with a shopping bag emerging from the car.

The Evening Standard dubbed the incident a 'horror crash'.

Last week the driver was fined £150 and ordered to pay costs of £100 and a victim surcharge of £34.

He was given 6 penalty points on his driving license at the hearing at Lavender Hill Magistrates Court.

Police say the driver's guilty plea was taken into account when imposing the sentence.

The cyclist has been informed of the outcome.

News of the verdict caused outrage among Twitter users many of whom criticised the penalty that had been given.

The London Cycling Campaign said: "This should not be happening in a London park.

"It is a miracle that the cyclist who was put in danger by this driving is not more seriously hurt."

They added: "The safety and wellbeing of cyclists enjoying a London park should not be contingent on whether a motorist mixes up their brake and accelerator pedals."

A group fighting to "reclaim the Royal Parks from motorists" called for a protest ride in Richmond park.

The Department of Parks and Recreation, which Tweets as @ldnparks, said: "In light of a motorist injuring a cyclist at Ham Gate, retweet this if you would be willing to take part in a protest ride in Richmond Park, calling for the closure of Ham Gate to motor traffic! This will only happen if we have substantial support!"

The tweet currently has 84 retweets and 152 likes.

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