Justin Bieber praying for photographer

Los Angeles - Justin Bieber has offered his prayers to the photographer who died after taking pictures of his car.

The singer gave his condolences after the paparazzo Chris Guerra was struck by an oncoming vehicle on New Year's Day, as he was crossing a busy road after photographing Justin's white Ferrari.

"While I was not present nor directly involved with this tragic accident, my thoughts and prayers are with the family of the victim," Justin said in his official statement.

Justin also pleaded for an end to the reckless behaviour that members of the paparazzi sometimes present and called out officials to take drastic action reports the Los Angeles Times.

'Innocent public bystanders'

"Hopefully this tragedy will finally inspire meaningful legislation and whatever other necessary steps to protect the lives and safety of celebrities, police officers, innocent public bystanders and the photographers themselves."

Justin, 18, was not in the car at the time of the accident, as he had lent the Ferrari to two of his friends. The car had been stopped by California Highway Patrol during a routine inspection when the photographer appeared.

He had been told twice by patrol officers that the situation was unsafe and that he should return to his car, reports CNN.

Soon after, the victim was hit by a car as he crossed the city's Sepulveda Boulevard.

Police say charges are unlikely to be pressed against the motorist who hit the photographer.

Take a look at CNN's report from the scene of the accident: