All road users urged to share the road responsibly

All road users urged to share the road responsibly

Keeping those who use our roads safe is a 24/7, year-round priority across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire, with road safety sitting at the heart of Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion’s West Mercia Safer Communities Plan.

In line with this we will be supporting ‘Operation Insight’ (26 October – 8 November), a national police lead operation focusing on keeping cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders safe during the darker months.

Operation Insight is being run across the UK by all Police Forces and will focus on various road users on the basis that everyone has the right to use the roads safely.  When looking at casualty rate per billion miles travelled cyclists and pedestrians are involved in more collisions than any other group.

Motorists are being urged to look carefully for other road users, especially during the winter months, unfortunately collisions have occurred where vehicles have failed to see the presence of another road user when undertaking manoeuvres, overtaking or at junctions. As part of the operation we will also be highlighting motorists’ legal obligation to ensure their vision is roadworthy every time they get behind the wheel. Apart from the risk of causing a collision, being caught driving with uncorrected defective eyesight is punishable with a fine of up to £1,000, three penalty points and possible disqualification.

Cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders are also being encouraged to think about how visible they are to other road users and to ensure they can be easily seen, especially as the nights start to get darker.  Pedestrians are reminded to always use pedestrian crossings where possible, especially those taking new journeys to and from school.  Cyclists should ensure their bike is in good working order and riders are being reminded that it is a legal requirement to have front and rear lights.

Superintendent Stuart Bill for West Mercia Police comments: "With more people choosing sustainable ways to travel, such as cycling, we're reminding everyone that road safety depends on looking out for one another. We urge motorists to take extra care around vulnerable road users, making those vital extra checks at junctions and when overtaking cyclists or horses.

Safer roads are everyone's responsibility. By sharing the road respectfully and considering the impact of our actions, we can help prevent collisions and keep all road users safe.

We're also encouraging cyclists and pedestrians to think about their visibility, especially as the evenings get darker, and reminding cyclists that it is a legal requirement to have working front and rear lights when riding after dark.

West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said; "Everyone deserves to feel safe while travelling on our roads, regardless of how they choose to travel. As we head into the darker months, it is vital that all road users play their part in keeping themselves and others safe. Whether you're driving, cycling, walking or riding a horse, being aware of those around you and taking simple steps to improve visibility can make difference.

Road safety remains a key priority within my Safer Communities Plan and I am committed to working alongside West Mercia Police and partners to protect vulnerable road users and ensure our roads feel safer for everyone.”