Public calls for action on speeding

Horncastle Police are urging drivers to ‘slow down’ in the build up to Christmas and will reinforce their message with extra speed checks in the area.
Police campaign.Police campaign.
Police campaign.

Nationally, police have launched a major campaign focusing on the ‘fatal four’ driving offences - speeding, drink/drug driving, failing to wear seat belts and using mobile phones.

The campaign is designed to reduce the number of accidents.

Locally, police asked residents for feedback on what issues they were most concerned about.

Police say speeding was reported by many people who took part in the consultation

Now, officers in the South Wolds Division - which includes Horncastle, Woodhall Spa and Coningsby - will join colleagues across East Lindsey to promote safer driving.

Horncastle based PCSO Nigel Wass explained: “We asked people for their views and speeding was one of the main concerns.

“It’s not only an issue in town but also in rural communities.

“No doubt some people will say we are just targeting drivers but that is not the case.

“We are reacting to what people have told us.

“The fatal four - including speeding - are major cause of RTC’s and can result in loss of life.

“It’s about making our roads safer for everyone.

“All the statistics show if you stick to the limit, you have a better chance of avoiding serious injury in any collision.”

Police are already staging extra checks and they will continue into next year.”

Officers from Lincolnshire Road Traffic Police will also be operating at recognised speeding hot spots.

PCSO Wass confirmed local officers would be continuing their work with residents in rural communities.

Many villages have, with the help of police, set up a Community Speedwatch scheme.

That involves designated and trained residents checking the speed of vehicles.

Although they don’t have the power to impose any fines, they do inform police of the results of their checks.

Any driver caught speeding regularly can expect a ‘visit’ from a local officer.

PCSO Wass added: “The Speedwatch scheme is successful and does make a difference. More and more villages are showing an interest.”

The scheme is already operating in a number of villages including Hagworthingham while Belchford and Tetford are planning to ‘sign up.’

Meanwhile, Lincolnshire Police have launched their annual ‘festive’crackdown people who drive while under the influence of drink or drugs.  

The force revealed that 10% of drivers tested in December last year failed a roadside breath test .

They also confirmed that 40 % of drivers who were tested for drugs tested positive.

The force tested more people last year than in 2018.

During the campaign last year, 1,369 people were breathalysed, and 115 drivers were tested for drugs.  

Drivers who take the risk are 23 times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision - if they are under the influence of alcohol and drugs when driving. 

The force says officers will require a breath test from anyone they suspect is driving while over the legal limit and also from anyone who has committed a moving traffic offence, such as a defective brake light, speeding, inconsiderate driving etc and from all drivers who have been involved in a collision regardless of fault. 

Where officers suspect a driver is impaired through drugs, whether prescribed or not, they will require a drug wipe test.

Driving while over the alcohol limit or while impaired through drugs is one of the #Fatal4. 

Officers focus on the #Fatal4 all year and stressed the December drink/drug campaign is part of their work to keep people safe on Lincolnshire’s roads. 

Police Sergeant Adie Scargill, Roads Policing, Lincolnshire Police, said: “This year has been hard enough for people, yet some drivers risk making it harder by facing a criminal conviction and driving ban.

“ This leads to a loss of job, increased financial difficulties which effect family and friends too.

“We don’t want to spoil anyone’s Christmas, so be responsible, don’t put yourself and others at risk of harm on the roads.”

John Siddle, from the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership, added: “The spectre of drink and drug driving has blighted so many lives over so many years .

“Now, Covid-19 is taking its toll too, do we really want any more bad news?

“Sadly, an officer may have to deliver a message you don’t want for Christmas, the death of a loved one at the hands of a drunk or drug driver.

“None of us will forget Christmas 2020, let’s not make it worse by drink or drug driving!”

•The Lincolnshire force’s alcohol and drug driving Christmas campaign runs from December 1 to January 1.

•Police have reminded drivers that less busy roads during the Covid pandemic restrictions are not an excuse for speeding

Lincolnshire Police Superintendent Paul Timmins, Head of Specialist Operations, said: “Empty roads may lead to temptation for irresponsible drivers who do not foresee the consequences of their actions.

“It takes a split second for something to go wrong, the faster the speed the longer the reaction time.

“We have seen a reduction in the number of collisions we are attending and it really needs to stay that way.

“We are all in the main doing everything we can to reduce the burden on the NHS.

“If we all play our part, they can focus their efforts on saving lives and caring for our family, friends and neighbours.”

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