Two weeks of increased enforcement of speeding offences gets underway today, with a warning to drivers and riders to always travel within the limit.
The two-week speed enforcement campaign (20 January – 2 February) is being co-ordinated by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC).
The NPCC says speeding, as well as inappropriate speed, can have a ‘devastating impact’ on the safety of road users – increasing the risk of a collision and the severity of the consequences.
CC Anthony Bangham, NPCC lead for roads policing, said: “Driving or riding at safe speeds is a key theme of the National Roads Policing Strategy.
“The speed campaign during January means police forces across the UK will focus on those who are travelling too fast on our roads, putting themselves and others at risk by doing so.
“Respecting the speed limit is fundamental to reducing danger on our roads. Enforcing those limits falls to the police and officers will be doing just that to ensure all road users remain as safe as possible.”
‘An important way of raising the issue’
One of the police forces participating is West Mercia, where officers will be visiting local communities and taking part in a mixture of enforcement and educational initiatives.
Supt Mel Crowther, West Mercia Police, said: “Supporting this national campaign with local activities and increased enforcement is an important way of raising the issue and highlighting the dangers of speeding.”
Over the past three years in the West Mercia region, 131 people have been killed and 933 seriously injured in collisions where speeding or use of inappropriate speed has been recorded as a contributory factor.
Supt Crowther added: “There are many local residents in our region whose quality of life is affected by people speeding through their community and families that unfortunately know far too well the devastating consequences that speeding and collisions can lead to.
“We’d like to take the opportunity during this campaign to remind people of the consequences of speeding.
“Apart from the obvious consequences if you are involved in a collision, if prosecuted for speeding, the minimum penalty is a £100 fine and three penalty points. You could be disqualified from driving if you build up 12 or more penalty points within a period of three years.”
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