Police have urged motorcyclists to take extra care on roads in Essex after five people were injured in crashes over the weekend.
A rider and pillion passenger were injured in a collision at Prince Avenue, Westcliff on Sunday May 23, and motorcyclists were injured in collisions on the A1306 at Grays on Saturday May 22, at Southminster Road, Burnham, also on Saturday and on the A130 at Benfleet on Sunday.
Essex Police in partnership with Essex County Council and Essex Fire And Rescue Service has focused heavily since 2007 on a programme of increased enforcement and roadside education targeting particular routes and road user groups and this has led to a dramatic reduction in the number of casualties.
Adam Pipe, Essex Police’s casualty reduction manager , said: “The weekend has been a real disappointment to all those involved in road safety across the county.”
But he said that road safety operations will be increased over the coming Bank Holiday weekend in an effort to address driver and rider behaviour.
Mr Pipe said that since the start of the year road policing officers had stopped more than 5,450 vehicles resulting in 3,475 prosecutions for offences such as using a mobile phone whilst driving, excess speed and failing to wear a seat belt, in addition to 41 arrests.
He added: “We continue to be very concerned at the number of motorcycle casualties and will continue to focus heavily at weekends on known motorcycle routes across the county, targeting poor riding behaviour. I would urge everyone to take more care, slow down, expect the unexpected and to consider and respect all users of the road.”
