With the gradual easing of the lockdown, Avon and Somerset Police are to step up their enforcement of speed limits from May 25th to June 7th to remind motorists of the importance of travelling at a safe speed and within the speed limit.
The force says the operation is deliberately timed as travel restrictions ease, to keep people safe as the volume of traffic increases whilst an usually high number of people continue to use roads and pavements for daily exercise.
Avon and Somerset Police had previously announced the stepping up of traffic patrols as the number of complaints around speeding doubled in the weeks during lockdown.
From May 25th, the force will increase visible speed enforcement activity, deploying resources to community speed watch sites across the force area and to communities where concerns have been raised around localised issues relating to excessive vehicle speed.
Inspector Frazer Davey, Roads Policing and Collision Investigation lead for Avon & Somerset Police, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We are ramping up our road safety activity to drive home the message that excessive and inappropriate speed kills. Our officers will be carrying out awareness, education and ultimately enforcement activity to help keep our communities safe.”
“We have an established network of community speed watch volunteers who are our eyes and ears for community speeding information. We have also listened to localised speeding issues raised by the public. We will be responding to areas of concern with a visible presence.”
“As we emerge from lockdown we all have a responsibility to slow down, avoid putting ourselves and others at risk and make our roads as safe as they can be.“
Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens added: “Speeding is never acceptable and with some lockdown restrictions easing, more people are starting to use the roads for the travel reasons outlined by the Government or for exercising such as walking, cycling or running.”
“I know speeding has continued be a concern for local people during the coronavirus pandemic and we all have a personal responsibility to make our roads safe for our communities. Please take care and respect speed limits at all times.”
Speeding can be reported through Avon and Somerset’s website or via 999 in an emergency and where there is danger to life.
