150 offences detected during weekend road safety operation

More than 150 offences were detected as police carried out a weekend operation dedicated to road safety.

Officers from the Roads Policing Unit (RPU), Surrey Safer Roads Partnership and local divisions worked together to provide education, engagement and enforcement in support of the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s ‘two-wheeled’ campaign.

In excess of 120 traffic offence reports, fixed penalty notices and court summons were issued across Surrey and Sussex on 17-18 April, and this dedicated activity was in addition to routine roads policing duties, 365 days a year.

While this campaign was predominantly an engagement exercise with motorcyclists in particular – raising awareness of their vulnerabilities and dealing robustly with offenders – police also engaged with other road users including cyclists and drivers.

Chief Inspector Michael Hodder, of the Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit, said: “We hope our weekend activity sends out a clear message that we will not tolerate dangerous or antisocial riding or driving, and we will continue to target those who deliberately put themselves and others at risk on our roads.

“While motorcyclists represent our most vulnerable road users, we were keen to engage with ALL motorists as part of this campaign. This is not only for their own safety, but also to address community concerns raised across both counties of speeding, excess noise and antisocial riding in general.

“In 2020, there were 112 serious collisions in Surrey which led to motorcyclists being injured, seven of which were tragically fatal. All road users need to play their part in helping to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads. Think about your behaviour, as it could save a life; or cost a life.”

The weekend activity included the following incidents of note:

Saturday:

• Approximately 50 motorcyclists were seen travelling from Hastings towards Eastbourne on the A259. They were followed to Beachy Head, where officers engaged with them. They then continued onto the A22 through Polegate, where numerous offences were identified and are being dealt with slow time.
• A Mercedes driver was stopped doing 113mph south on the A24 from Washington and summonsed to court.
• A ‘car cruise’ involving approximately 20 vehicles occurred on the A24 at Mole Valley. They were monitored and engaged with, and those who appeared to be racing each other were disrupted by an unmarked RPU motorcycle conducting enforcement. This caused the group to disperse.
• One arrest was made for drug-driving in Surrey.

Sunday:

• A large number of riders were engaged with both on the roads and at meet-up points such as cafes across Surrey and Sussex, and were good spirited.
• There was a ‘super car’ meet on the A27 which was observed by police. This was quickly dispersed through proportionate enforcement.
• The A24 corridor in Surrey became lively with riders not complying with the Road Traffic Act. Most of them were intercepted through a police response.

Chief Insp Hodder added: “There was a joint understanding between police and the majority of motorcyclists around the importance of road safety and vulnerability, and our presence and engagement was welcomed by the community. A local MP also stopped to thank some of our officers for their work on the operation in Arundel.

“We appreciate that the vast majority of road users travel safely and responsibly, and it is our aim to work with them – rather than against them – as we strive to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads.

“With further activity planned this weekend and beyond, I’d like to remind everyone that we welcome considerate riding and driving, but we will deal robustly with anyone who misuses our roads.”