MOTORISTS across Worcestershire are being urged to slow down by West Mercia Police which is among the forces taking part in a national speed enforcement operation.
The drive is aimed at highlighting the impact speeding can have on collisions and supports the ongoing preventative work already taking place.
Drivers and riders are encouraged to reflect on the speeds they choose and, if necessary, to change their minds, slow down and help reduce risk.
Enforcing the speed limits and making the roads safer is a 24/7 priority for West Mercia Police and enforcement takes place across the three counties every day.
West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion has also made road safety a priority in his Safer West Mercia Plan.
The force says speeding, and 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.
Over the past three years, 40 people have been killed across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire and 338 seriously injured in collisions where speeding or inappropriate use of speed is noted as a contributory factor.
Throughout the operation, the road safety team, police officers, PCSOs, community speed watch volunteers and special constables will be out and about in local communities, taking part in a mixture of enforcement and educational schemes.
Supt Steph Brighton, from West Mercia Police, said: “The majority of drivers and riders use the road responsibly, however there are many families that unfortunately know far too well the devastating consequences that speeding and collisions can lead to and many local residents whose quality of life is affected by a minority of people speeding through their community.
“Speed limits are there for a reason – to protect all road users and it is our job the enforce these.”
Speeding drivers also risk £100 fines and three penalty points on their licence.
Mr Campion said he welcomed the force’s work to tackle speeding – both during this national campaign but all-year-round.
“It’s a sad fact that too many people die or are seriously injured on our roads. I am committed to changing this, with road safety at the heart of my Safer West Mercia Plan.”
The PCC’s £150,000 Road Safety Fund is currently open for communities and partners across the three counties to apply for to address local concerns.
The closing date for applications is midday on November 3.
Visit westmercia-pcc.gov.uk/roadsafetyfund for more.
