All road users urged to share the road responsibly

Operation Dark Night is being run across the UK from and is co-ordinated by NPCC, the National Police Chiefs’ Council It will focus on various road users on the basis that everyone has the right to use the roads safely whether choosing to do this via cycle, horse or foot.

Reducing the harm caused on our roads is a key commitment for West Mercia Police, as set out in the Police and Crime Commissioner’s police and crime plan. In line with this and to support the year round operational activity already undertaken, we will be supporting ‘Operation Dark Night’ (28 October – 10 November), a national police lead operation focusing on keeping cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders safe during the darker months.

When looking at casualty rate per billion miles travelled cyclists and pedestrians are involved in more collisions than any other group.

Motorists are being urged to look carefully for other road users, especially during the winter months, unfortunately collisions have occurred where vehicles have failed to see the presence of another road user when undertaking manoeuvres, overtaking or at junctions. As part of the operation we will also be highlighting motorists’ legal obligation to ensure their vision is roadworthy every time they get behind the wheel. Apart from the risk of causing a collision, being caught driving with uncorrected defective eyesight is punishable with a fine of up to £1,000, three penalty points and possible disqualification.

Cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders are also being encouraged to think about how visible they are to other road users, especially as the nights start to get darker and to consider wearing high visibility clothing and reflective material, to ensure they can be seen easily. Pedestrians are reminded to always use pedestrian crossings where possible, especially those taking new journeys to and from school.  Cyclists should ensure their bike is in good working order and carries front and rear lights.

Policing the roads is a 24/7 year round priority, however officers will be covering a variety of operational activities including attending a number of high profile locations to offer road safety advice and to hand out high vis material and bike lights if needed.

Superintendent Stuart Bill for West Mercia Police comments: “With people embracing sustainable forms of transport, like cycling, it’s more important than ever for all road users to think about their presence on the roads and the impact they have.  We’re urging all motorists to be aware of all road users, take extra care and make that extra check at junctions and when overtaking cyclists and horses. It’s down to all of us to ensure that our roads are shared responsibly and that we are respectful of all road users. We’re encouraging cyclists and pedestrians to think about how visible they are and reminding cyclists that it is a legal requirement for bikes to have both front and rear lights”

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “Roads are the biggest killer in West Mercia, and this sad fact needs to change. Education plays a vital role in rewriting this narrative, so I back West Mercia Police’s focus to engage with horse riders, cyclists and motorists about how they can keep themselves and others’ safe.”