Over 600 speeding motorists caught in Staffordshire Police's day of action on rural roads

The day of action, which took place on Friday, saw hundreds of volunteers out across Staffordshire to record the speeds being driven at hot spot areas throughout the county as part of the safer roads partnership.

 A total of 49 sites were monitored by the volunteers, many of them rural county roads.

 PC Tom Cordall, of Staffordshire Police's road crime team said: “We have been out in the communities in these hot spot areas to have a visible presence for motorists at these sites in order to encourage responsible driving.

“We know the hotter, more sunny weather leads to increased rural road use, especially for motorcyclists and drivers of different types of vehicles, so it’s really important everyone is mindful of the conditions of these roads and the dangers they face.

 “Speed is a contributing factor to many collisions, so it’s vital we encourage people to stick to the legal limits.”

 “The concerning elements really are skills fade - if you haven’t driven in a while, then head out on a more rural road, you may not anticipate what you might encounter round a bend or on a narrow path.

 “Speeding, stopping distances and leaving enough space to overtake, as well as thinking about potential farming vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists or animals on the road are all important factors to consider.”

 Research shows fatalities are more likely on rural roads due to particular issues including: single-track roads, road condition, impact of weather conditions, unseen bends and speed.

 Officers regularly engage with local schools, providing in-person visits, workshops and support for students to educate them on safe driving practices on both urban and rural county roads.

 Most recently they set up a motorbike simulator in a  college for students to have a go on as well as providing information and talks on driver safety.

 During the activity last week, thanks to the invaluable work of the community speed watch volunteers, police managed to: Catch a total of 626 drivers who were travelling above the percentage speed threshold; Assist in the issuing of 438 warning letters to drivers; Record the highest speed of 70mph being driven in a 30mph zone.

 Deputy Police, Fire and Rescue and crime commissioner, Dave Evans, who is chair of Staffordshire Safer Roads Partnership (SSRP), said: “It was fantastic to see so many Community Speed Watch volunteers out last Friday doing their part for their community.

 “Over 3,300 speeding vehicles were recorded by community speed watch volunteers in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent over the last year.

 “Speeding vehicles can have devastating impacts on families, friends and the wider community which is why it’s important that we continue to talk to all drivers about potential risks whilst driving through rural areas. 

 “I want to thank all of the volunteers for their efforts in helping to keep Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent’s roads safer.”

 For more information on rural roads and how to develop your driving skills, see: Road safety | Staffordshire Police.