Operation Spotlight launched to reduce road deaths in West Mercia
Campaign focuses on preventing road fatalities and injuries
Last updated 9 hours ago
A new police campaign, Operation Spotlight, aims to raise awareness of road safety and reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries on roads across Herefordshire, Shropshire, and Worcestershire.
Last year, 56 people lost their lives and 486 were seriously injured in traffic incidents in these areas.
Key contributing factors include speeding, distractions such as mobile phones, driving under the influence, and not wearing seatbelts.
The initiative is part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s West Mercia Safer Communities Plan, emphasising the year-round priority of road safety.
Superintendent Stuart Bill of West Mercia Police highlighted the ongoing effort to tackle road misuse through the operation.
"Everyone understands the law around seatbelts, drink/drug driving and mobile phones and the importance of adhering to the speed limits," said Superintendent Bill.
"However, it's concerning that some drivers and riders continue to break the law. Our targeting of such individuals aims to make roads safer for all."
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of enforcement, education, and engineering in driving change.
“Too many people are being killed or seriously injured on our roads, and much of this harm is entirely preventable," said Campion.
"I hear regularly from victims and families whose lives have been changed forever. That’s why I’m clear that the three Es of road safety - enforcement, education and engineering - must drive the change our communities expect."
Campion underscored his commitment to supporting law enforcement and collaborating with local authorities to ensure road networks are safely designed.
"Together, we can make a real difference," he concluded.