Police are urging road users to pay attention, drive carefully and drive to the condition of the road as we head into the winter months, following a rise in road deaths in Cheshire
The number of people who have lost their lives on Cheshire's roads between June and September this year has doubled in comparison to the same period in 2019.
Between June and September 2019 there were seven fatalities, compared with fourteen during the same period in 2020.
In recent years police have found that many collisions occur as a result of someone committing one of the Fatal 5 offences - careless driving, speeding, drink/drug driving, using a mobile phone while driving and not wearing a seatbelt.
Inspector for Cheshire Police's Serious and complex collision investigation Unit, Steve Griffiths, said: "This time of year we usually see an increase in the number of people killed and seriously injured on the roads. Winter months can present some challenging driving conditions.
"We want road users to be able to use the roads safely and prevent any further tragic collisions from occurring. Think before you overtake and make sure it is safe to do so, concentrate when pulling out of a junction, look out for cyclists and motorcyclists, leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front and drive appropriately for the road and weather conditions.
"We spend a considerable amount of time educating road users on the dangers of the Fatal 5 and we explain the consequences that one reckless decision on our roads can have – and now, more than ever, road users need to take note.
"Officers are out policing the roads 24 hours of the day 365 days of the year, and they will stop anyone they believe to be committing one of the Fatal 5 offences. We also actively encourage members of the public to submit dashcam footage and act on this information even after an incident may have occurred. We do not do this for the sake of it, we do it to save lives."
Comments
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Wake up Police Chief Constable and do something positive , that’s what you’re paid for !
The majority of the RTAs are happening due to a minority of young drivers/supercar drivers who think they are above the law and want to carry out their racing driver ambitions on our Cheshire roads. They know full well that there will be nobody enforcing speed limits so they are regularly seen and heard late in the night tearing up and down the A34. I am sure, like me, many have reported these occurences to the police and no action has been taken. Sadly this has meant some have lost their lives as there just aren't enough staff to police these areas.
In this amazing age of digital technology you would think Cheshire Police could use some of it to record and prosecute and charge those responsible for wrecking our road and roundabout signage and ban those who insist on excessive speeds more than once. What's so difficult? How many deaths does it take?
We need to lean on the Council - where are the ROW councillors voted in - surely some of them live near and use the A34 to know that speeding is an issue???
Just clarify on some of the points raised:
Councils are responsible for parking enforcement.
The Police are responsible for traffic/speeding enforcement and the money from speeding fines goes to central government (consolidated fund).
Speed cameras cost in the region of £50,000 each (average speed cameras costing five times this).
Speed limit changes are agreed in consultation between local authorities and local police.
The Council will be reviewing its Speed Management Strategy during the current financial year.
Councillor Toni Fox
Independent - Resident of Wilmslow
Dean Row Ward, Wilmslow
Kathryn
The Police pay for camera's, collect the data, and they are responsible for enforcing the speed limit on roads.
I'm afraid questions on the stats will need to be raised directly with the Police.
Councillor Toni Fox
Independent - Residents of Wilmslow
Dean Row Ward - Wilmslow