They have been told, charge everyone carrying, let the cps and/or courts decide.
Who told them this ?
CPS I think.
Doesn’t make a huge mount of sense in as much as you say that CPS tell them to charge and then CPS also decide ??….
Initially it is just down to a Cop or two who ascertain that you’ve got a multitool with a locking blade. (I can’t recall anyone I know, out cycling or mountain-biking mentioning getting stopped and searched) If you’re out on the lash at 3am, you would likely be in bother, at most other times and especially when out cycling, you should be fine. They are not illegal per se, it comes down to the interaction with the Police Officer. It won’t need ‘testing’ in court if that interaction is normal…..in as much as both sides are reasonable (highly likely) and the reason given (a tool in my backpack) is acceptable.
If at all worried, don’t carry one. (I have one in my bumbag every time I cycle and one in my motorbike tankbag every time I venture out…)
