Summer speed campaign

A series of joint police and safety camera operations are being run this summer to help make Warwickshire’s roads a safer place for all users. The weekend and mid-week evening operations are being mounted to combat the high and spiralling number of motorcyclist deaths on Warwickshire’s roads and also to address a range of other road safety issues with particular emphasis on speed.

The Casualty Reduction Partnership and Police will be using the operation to monitor speeds and dangerous driving at danger spots associated with motorcycle collisions.

In 2003, there were 12 motorcycle fatalities in Warwickshire, accounting for almost a quarter of all deaths on the county's roads, despite the fact that motorcyclists account for only 1% of road users. 2003 saw a dramatic increase in the number of motorcyclist fatalities over previous years, a trend that was repeated countrywide. This year there had already been 7 motorcycle fatalities by the end of May.

Chief Superintendent Jon Bond, Partnership Chairman said:

"The majority of riders are responsible road users. However, there is a small minority who don’t consider the safety of themselves and other motorists and are placing themselves and others at a serious risk.

"The high and rising number of motorcycle fatalities and injuries highlights the need for constant awareness of the consequences of riding motorcycles, particularly at inappropriate speeds. We have witnessed motorcyclists riding at speeds of well in excess of 100 mph, which is totally unacceptable and leaves no room for error."

John Burbeck, Chief Constable of Warwickshire Police and a keen motorcyclist added:

"We want motorcyclists to enjoy their rides in Warwickshire, but we want them to do so safely and to consider the communities through which they travel. We are asking all motorcyclists to think about their riding skills and watch their speeds for the safety of themselves and all other road users. These joint operations, while taking place at motorcycle accident danger spots, will enforce speed limits for all vehicles and will address other road safety issues."

These combined operations are just a small part of the multi-agency work being undertaken to reduce the number of motorcyclists being involved in collisions on Warwickshire’s roads:

• The Partnership is working with Warwickshire County Council’s Road Safety Team to launch a new promotional campaign to encourage riders to think about the way they ride.
• The County Council Road Safety Team took part in a Mercia campaign to encourage drivers and motorcyclists to look out for each other on the roads.
• Warwickshire Police run a series of weekend long rider improvement courses as part of their Bikesafe initiative. Visit www.bikesafe.co.uk for more information