Police targeted dangerous and careless driving on Hampshire’s rural roads during a seven-day initiative this summer.
Operation Triumph was specifically aimed at combating some of the worst offenders who risk theirs and other people’s lives.
It was co-ordinated between police in Hampshire, Sussex and Kent over four weekends in May, July, August and September.
In Hampshire, officers targeted three rural routes that have seen high casualty rates: the A32 Fareham to Alton, A272 Winchester to Petersfield and the B2177 Southwick to Wickham.
The initial aim was to target inconsiderate motorcycle riding, but police also stopped other motorists.
Click here to hear an interview about Operation Triumph with PC Mick Gear
Results
Five people were reported for summons to the court for driving without due care and attention and 32 for speeding.
Six motorcyclists were given warnings for anti-social riding.
Police also issued 510 fixed penalty notices (FPNs):
- 493 for speeding
- 10 for contravening a traffic signal
- four for no insurance
- three for use of a mobile phone
A further 326 motorists were referred for Driver Awareness Training in order to refresh their driving skills.
Sergeant Simon Goss from the Cosham Roads Policing unit said: “The majority of motorists are law abiding and use the roads sensibly.
“But there’s still a minority who chose to take the unnecessary risk of driving dangerously through our villages and on our rural roads and that’s a concern for people living in those areas.
“Operation Triumph is one of a number of road safety campaigns we run throughout the year to address those concerns.
“This summer we used marked camera vans to deter dangerous driving, detect speeding and reassure the public.
“We also had the use of an unmarked Sussex Police motorcycle to target the worst offenders.”
PC Mick Gear, the Safer Roads Partnership Bikesafe Coordinator for Hampshire Constabulary, said: “So far this year, we’ve dealt with nine fatal collisions involving motorcyclists.
“Last year, 24 riders were killed in collisions so, although there’s been a huge improvement, there’s still a long way to go.
“The complaints we receive are about a minority of inconsiderate motorcyclists who cause the majority of problems, riding dangerously or carelessly, sometimes speeding through villages with 30mph limits.
“I’m a motorcyclist myself and, given how difficult it can be for riders to stay safe among other road users, it’s really not worth taking the risk.”
Notes:
- The speed enforcement operations were conducted on the weekends of May 30-31, Sunday, July 12, August 22-23 and September 12-13.
- FPNs for speeding, contravening a road signal and mobile phone use carry three penalty licence points and a £60 fine. FPNs for no insurance carry six penalty licence points and a £200 fine and.
- A conviction for driving without due care and attention can result in a fine up to £5,000, up to nine points on your licence and a possibly disqualification from driving.
