Road safety operation launches to keep road users safe

A joint road safety operation bringing together officers from Cheshire Constabulary, West Mercia Police and Staffordshire Police launched ahead of the Easter weekend to help keep motorcyclists and all road users safe.

Operation Caesar, a seasonal initiative targeting motorcycle safety, began on Thursday 2nd April with a coordinated day of action across force boundaries.

Officers, alongside BikeSafe volunteers and fire bike teams, were stationed at Midway Truck Stop in Prees, engaging with attending riders and members of the public.

At the same time, enforcement activity was carried out on surrounding routes, with officers targeting those riding dangerously or at excessive speed. 

Officers proactively engaged with motorcyclists and all road users, offering advice on how to ride and drive safely alongside one another, promoting safer riding behaviours and encouraging attendance on BikeSafe courses, while also taking enforcement action where necessary. 

The operation continued across the Easter bank holiday weekend, with increased patrols in key hotspot areas where higher numbers of motorcyclists were expected as the motorcycle season gets into full swing.

The teams issuing reports for offences including:

• 29 drivers found having driven at excess speed
• 19 vehicles found with non-conforming registration plates
• Five being found driving without due care and attention
• Five drivers found using mobile phones
• Two driving with no insurance or driving licences

Officers also stopped 12 drivers and issued fines for construction and use vehicle offences, which relate to the poor standards of brakes, tyres, and vehicle equipment.

One driver was also stopped for contravening a set of double white lines and one vehicle was seized under section 165 of the Road traffic Act.

Sergeant Andy Griffiths, from the Constabulary’s Bike Unit, said: 

“Operation Caesar is about striking the right balance between engagement and enforcement. We want motorcyclists to enjoy the roads across Cheshire and beyond, but that enjoyment must not come at the expense of safety. 

“By working together with our neighbouring forces, we’re able to take a joined-up approach to tackling dangerous riding across the wider road network. 

“Most riders we speak to welcome the advice and support we provide, but for those who choose to ignore the law, we will take action. Our message is simple - ride within your limits, ride responsibly, and make sure you get home safely.”