Dangerous drivers putting bikers at risk targeted in police clampdown
The clampdown was aimed at drivers putting bikers in danger
Police in Doncaster have targeted dangerous drivers putting motorcyclists and those on two wheels at risk.
The close pass operations have highlighted numerous drivers putting those on two wheels at risk.
Roads policing officers’ efforts are currently focussed on those who travel on two wheels as part of a national campaign raising awareness ahead of the summer months, where we see an increase in motorcyclists and cyclists taking to the roads.
During the two-day operation held on Monday and Tuesday (1 and 2 June) neighbourhood officers in plain clothes took to two wheels on bicycles around Doncaster, alongside roads policing officers on motorcycles.
As the officers went about their day, if they believed a driver to have passed too close, or committing an offence that would risk people’s lives, they stopped them.
The Highway Code states that motorists should give motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders as much room as they would when overtaking a car, a minimum of 1.5 metres at up to 30mph, for speeds over 30mph, a distance of two meters must be given.
During the two days, 28 drivers received Traffic Offence Reports (TOR) for various offences.
Of those 28, 14 were given their TOR for due care, passing cyclists too close and turning into junctions without giving way.
Five were found to be using their mobile phone while driving, six were found to not be wearing a seatbelt, one for contravening a stop sign, and another for having no MOT.
While these offences are not linked directly to the passing distance of road users, they contribute to collisions and deaths on our roads.
One driver was also found to be driving while under the influence of alcohol and was arrested.
Another driver was reported on summons for driving while disqualified, without insurance and while on his mobile.
He will appear at court at a later date.
Leading the operation, and riding a motorcycle on the day, Sergeant Brandon Brown explains more: “Drivers must understand that passing those on two wheels safely isn’t optional, it’s the law and a shared responsibility that protects lives..
“While our focus was on drivers, cyclists and motorcyclists also have a shared responsibility for increasing their safety, thinking about their positioning on the road, increasing visibility and wearing protective equipment."