Police crack down on dangerous and anti-social bikers in and around Bridgnorth

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The Safer Roads Partnership and West Mercia Police are running a joint operation this weekend to combat problems caused by motorcyclists on three routes across Bridgnorth and South Shropshire.

Specialist units involving motorcycle police, speed enforcement officers and the Operational Patrol Unit (OPU) team will be involved in the initiative which is being carried out on Saturday (3rd May) and Sunday (4th May), and will continue over the spring and summer months around other operational commitments.

The aim of the initiative is to provide a highly visible deterrent to speeding motorists and motorcyclists as well as cracking down on inappropriate riding and nuisance offences such as noise. Activity will focus on the A442 Alveley – Bridgnorth, the A458 Six Ashes – Bridgnorth and the B4176 Upper Aston – Rudge Heath.

Sergeant Stuart Allen from the Operational Policing Unit at Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police said:

“In the spring and summer, particularly on nice weekends, these locations in South Shropshire are always busy with bikers testing their skills, and often racing up and down.

 

“There is an obvious road safety issue here which needs to be addressed for the safety of all road users and that’s why we are running this operation. This action is also being taken in support of people living around the areas who have complained through their safer neighbourhood team or parish council about the noise and high speeds of the machines involved.

 

“We intend to continue with this initiative until the message gets through to the minority of motorists causing the problems that their activities will not be tolerated. It also demonstrates that the police and the Safer Roads Partnership listen to community concern and act upon it where necessary.”

Anna Higgins, Communications Manager at the Safer Roads Partnership, said:

“Shropshire and West Mercia as a whole are popular areas with bikers and many riders are attracted to the area. Through local operations like this one, and by supporting the national Think Bike campaign, we aim to make motorcyclists more aware of the risks that are present when they are out on the roads and help us reduce the amount of collisions that take place.

 

“Bikers are also invited to brush up on their skills or gain more confidence on their bike by taking advantage of our ‘Take Control’ motorcycle skills course. The course is subsidised by the partnership so riders can get a half day course for £25 or a full day for £50 which offers great value for money, compared to the usual cost of motorcycle training.”

Visit www.rmtnet.co.uk/take-control for more information on the Take Control course.

Further information:

If you would like to arrange an interview with a spokesperson please contact Anna Higgins on 01905 331248.

The Safer Roads Partnership is part of Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police and works in partnership with the four local highway authorities in West Mercia (Herefordshire Council, Shropshire Council, Telford & Wrekin Council and Worcestershire County Council); Warwickshire County Council, the Highways Agency; HM Courts Service – West Mercia; Fire & Rescue Services for Hereford & Worcester, Shropshire and Warwickshire; and West Mercia Cluster of Primary Care Trusts.