By Sheila Mckenzie-
Officers will be speaking with drivers during the campaign; aiming to highlight the dangers of speeding and informing drivers of the risks and consequences that driving above the limit can have through education and enforcement.
National statistics state that inappropriate speed contributes to around 10% of all injury collisions reported to the police, 13% resulting in a serious injury, and 24% of collisions which result in a death.
The campaign, co-ordinated by the National Police Chiefs’ Council, launches next week, beginning from Monday 25 May 2020 and will run until Sunday 7 June and will see an increased amount of checks and enforcement across both counties.
The objectives of this year’s campaign are to tackle irresponsible drivers, reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured in collisions, educate and inform drivers of the risks posed by speeding and finally to support new roads users as well as cyclists to remain safe on our roads.
Chief Inspector Kris Barnard, head of the Roads and Armed Policing Team said: “Recently we have experienced a reduced number of vehicles on our roads but still on occasion have seen a number of drivers choosing to drive at excessive speeds. It is therefore appropriate for us to continue to make our roads safe by targeting those drivers who pose a threat to themselves and others.
“As we continue to reiterate, speeding is one of the ‘Fatal Four’ offences making you more likely to be involved in a serious injury or fatal collision alongside drink/drug driving, using a mobile phone and not wearing a seatbelt.
“We are urging road users to think not only about their own safety on the roads, but the safety of others. We also want motorists to be aware of the current demand that we as a county, place on our NHS and try to reduce this by driving in a safe manner. Speed limits are implemented for a reason and drivers must ensure that they obey these limits in order to prevent any road related incidents.”
Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner Lorne Green said: “Now is the time more than ever I would urge you not to put any extra pressure on our NHS colleagues by driving irresponsibly on the county’s roads. Think of others but also remember the life you save may even be your own – don’t end up as a statistic.
“Dangerous driving kills – whether through excessive speed, being drunk or on drugs, failing to wear a seatbelt, or not giving the road your full attention. There is simply no excuse for it and I fully welcome any enforcement campaign which helps to reiterate that message.”
Motorists caught speeding will be issued with a Traffic Offence Report (TOR) and face a fine, points on their licence or even court action. Some drivers can opt to take part in a speed awareness course.