First it was hug a hoodie - now Cameron's joined the Lycra louts

The Tory leader, who sparked controversy last year with his 'hug a hoodie' speech, breached the Highway Code as he cycled home through London's Notting Hill. And although he had a helmet with him, Mr Cameron decided not to wear it - leaving it dangling from his handlebars.

The episode comes amid growing tension on the capital's streets between law-abiding motorists and a hard core of cyclists who routinely ride on pavements, ignore lights and signs and weave dangerously through traffic.

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Outlaw: David Cameron jumps a red light

In pictures taken on Wednesday evening in Portobello Road, Mr Cameron approaches the crossroads at Westbourne Park Road with the lights signalling him to stop. Then he edges across the white line, despite the red light and, finally, crosses the yellow-box junction with the lights still on red.

Hugh Bladon, of the Association of British Drivers, said: 'All cyclists must obey the rules of the road. It does not matter who they are.'

But a Conservative spokesman commented: 'Mr Cameron was riding extremely carefully.'