‘What is it they don’t understand?’ say Lincolnshire Police as they vow to crack down on speeding drivers taking advantage of quieter roads under coronavirus lockdown

While most people are following government guidance to make only essential journeys, officers in the county are seeing some drivers and riders taking advantage of the emptier roads.

Motorcycles riding at excessive speeds could be heard on the A15 and A17 bypasses around Sleaford over the weekend to name one example.

the force said it is warning drivers that its specialist operations officers are on patrol, both in cars and motorbikes, marked and unmarked and will enforce speed limits on our roads.

A spokesman said: “We all need to do everything we can to reduce the burden on the NHS and by making only essential journeys and taking extra care when driving or riding we can help reduce the chance of having a collision or coming to harm while on the roads.

“Every collision our officers attend in which someone has suffered an injury ties up medical resources, places a burden on the NHS and could also injure an essential worker on their way to help save lives. Excess speed is one of the main reasons people die on our roads.

“We continue to receive reports of drivers speeding across the county so we are stepping up our patrols and enforcement.”

Drivers caught speeding may face having their vehicle seized, may be arrested or reported for offences.

Inspector Jason Baxter, from the Specialist Operations unit at Lincolnshire Police, said: “It’s only a minority who are taking advantage of the empty roads, as the majority of people have either stayed at home or driven sensibly when making essential journeys.

“But to the minority, we have a clear message: The traffic may be different, but the speed limit is not.

“I find it deeply frustrating that at times when it’s crucial to protect our NHS and those working long and very difficult hours, there are drivers and riders flouting basic laws.

“What is it they don’t understand? Our officers are enforcing speed limits and we will continue to do so.”

These are the only reason people can leave home:

• Shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible

• One form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of your household

• Any medical need, including to donate blood, avoid or escape risk of injury or harm, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person

• Travelling for work purposes, but only where you cannot work from home