A campaign aimed at improving road safety for those travelling on two wheels has been launched. The week-long ‘2 Wheels’ campaign aims to improve driver and rider behaviour, with focus on enforcement and education.
Police-led operations will focus on the safety of motorcyclists and cyclists while explaining the dangers of not having the correct protection. Officers will also be raising awareness of e-scooters and highlight their current legal status.
The campaign is coordinated by the National Police Chief’s Council and supported by the Norfolk and Suffolk Roads and Armed Policing Team. It will run between today and Sunday, April 17.
Jon Chapman, Chief Inspector of the Joint NSRAPT, said: “Our roads should be a safe space for everyone to use, but those on ‘two wheels’ are typically known as vulnerable users and are at greater risk of coming to harm in a collision, despite only accounting for a relatively small percentage of overall journeys that are made.
“The focus of this campaign is to ensure we raise awareness of driver/rider behaviour to ensure that those on two wheels are safe on our roads. This means maximising safety opportunities by wearing appropriate personal protection clothing and riding in a safe and responsible manner.
“There is also a responsibility on motorists to ensure they remain vigilant, are driving with care and leave plenty of space when overtaking.”
Chief Inspector Rob Wicks of County Policing Command added: “We have seen a number of incidents across the county where private e-scooters have been ridden in a dangerous manner in various public spaces, including footpaths. We want to ensure riders do not unwittingly commit an offence and find themselves being issued with a penalty notice.
“We know e-scooters are predominantly used by young people and whilst we are not trying to target or criminalise them, we do need them to know that there are aspects to riding an e-scooter that could put them, or the wider public at risk if the e-scooter is being ridden in a dangerous manner.
“We will continue to engage and educate e-scooter users on these laws, however where there is persistent use of privately-owned e-scooters, or evidence of other offences, we will take appropriate enforcement action. This includes e-scooter seizure and riders being reported for driving offences.”
While you can legally buy an e-scooter you cannot ride it on any public road, cycle lane or pavement. In Norfolk there are currently two e-scooter rental pilot schemes: Beryl in Norwich and Ginger in Great Yarmouth.
Fines you may receive can include a fixed Penalty Notice for no insurance with a £300 fine and six penalty points, a fixed Penalty Notice for no driving licence, and up to £100 fine and three-six penalty points.
Original source article: https://www.norfolklive.co.uk/news/norfolk-news/road-safety-campaign-escooter-riders-6934180