Suffolk Police cracks down on speeding
Suffolk Police has launched its annual speeding campaign which will run until Sunday 8 August
Suffolk Police has launched its annual speeding campaign which means there will be an increased amount of checks and enforcement across the county.
In Suffolk, speeding was a contributing factor to approximately 9% of collisions where someone was killed or seriously injured within the past year (30 out of 257).
Suffolk Police are giving the message to slow down and save lives.
The campaign, co-ordinated by the National Police Chiefs’ Council, launches today (Monday 26 July) and will run until Sunday 8 August
As part of the #SlowDownSaveLives operation, officers will be speaking with drivers during the campaign; aiming to highlight the dangers of speeding and informing drivers of the risks and consequences that driving above the limit can have through education and enforcement.
With speeding one of the main contributors in collisions and one of the fatal four driving offences, this campaign aims to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on the county’s roads.
Chief Inspector Jon Chapman, Head of the Joint Roads and Armed Policing Team, said: "As traffic gradually increases to pre-pandemic levels with the full easing of restrictions, the number of collisions is anticipated to naturally increase. We want to remind drivers that speeding kills - it’s as simple as that.
"Our officers deal with the devastating consequences that speeding can cause, which is why we are so keen to highlight the importance of driving not only to the speed limit, but also to the road conditions.
"We are urging road users to think not only about their own safety on the roads, but the safety of others. Expect the unexpected and drive to an appropriate speed where you can react quickly to any hazards and stop safely.
"Slow down, it will save lives."
Tim Passmore, Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "I fully support this #SlowDownSaveLives campaign to focus on speeding. Speeding wrecks lives and there really is no excuse for it. I find it absolutely staggering that despite all the publicity and numerous warning signs, many drivers cannot keep to the speed limit.
"Speed limits are there for a reason. Speed is one of the fatal four causes of serious injury or death on our roads and these thoughtless drivers really do need to wake up to the fact that they are not just risking their own lives, but the lives of fellow road users.
"The faster you are travelling, the less time you have to react to the unexpected, so please remember #SlowDownSaveLives."
Members of the public are also being encouraged to spread the word far and wide on social media using the hashtag #SlowDownSaveLives
Motorists caught speeding will be issued with a TOR (Traffic Offence Report) and face a fine, points on their licence or even court action. Some drivers can opt to take part in a speed awareness court.
For results and updates throughout the campaign follow the Roads Policing Unit on Twitter @NSRAPT