Op Darwen

Will you get home tonight?

Operation Darwen is an all Wales campaign which runs from early spring through until the autumn and is aimed at increasing awareness of motorcycle safety and reducing casualties on the roads.

Over the coming months, officers from the Roads Policing Units and GoSafe will engage with riders at popular meeting spots for enthusiasts as well as on certain routes as part of the operation.

As part of the operation, officers will be checking bikes are roadworthy, paying particular attention to tyres. Worn or under inflated tyres on motorcycles have been one of the most common themes during collisions, and yet is easily prevented by riders doing basic checks.

Enforcement

Chief Inspector Caroline Mullen-Hurst of North Wales Police’s Operational Support Service said: “We will focus our enforcement in an attempt to reduce any further casualties and collisions by adopting a zero-tolerance approach.

“We are committed to keeping people safe on the roads of North Wales - we want them to enjoy the roads but most of all we want them to ride and drive safely and responsibly.

“Whilst the vast majority of motorists ride or drive appropriately, we will continue to focus on, with a view to prosecution, all those that ride or drive dangerously, at excess speed, overtake on solid white lines or commit any other road traffic offences.

“We, as the police, want everyone to enjoy the roads of North Wales as they become busier and are shared between all different types of road users.

“Our increased patrols – using marked and unmarked vehicles sees officers working 24/7 to keep the roads safe and our road safety campaigns will continue with the sole aim of attempting to reduce the number of fatal and serious collisions on the roads of North Wales. We are fully aware of concerns by local residents therefore we will also continue to address the minority who are endangering lives by their unreasonable actions.

“Road safety is the responsibility of us all - whether as a driver, motorcyclist, cyclist or pedestrian and I would like to take this opportunity to ask everybody to take extra care when out and about on the roads, to think about their behaviour and what changes they could make to improve their own safety and that of other road users.

“Behind every casualty will be a family who are expecting them to come home. This campaign isn’t about spoiling people’s fun but encourages riders and drivers to be safe and competent with the aim of reducing the number of collisions.”

Motorcyclists are encouraged to visit the Wales by Bike website for information and guidance regarding courses, routes and safety advice. A number of BikeSafe workshops across North Wales are also planned for the year. Bookings can be made via www.bikesafe.co.uk

Follow the Roads Policing Team on social media via @NWPRPU (Facebook | Twitter) or follow these hashtags:

#OpDarwen

#ThinkLife

#Fatal5

#ThinkBike