Motorists who put themselves and other road-users at risk by breaking the speed limit will be targeted during a national campaign supported by Kent Police.
Forces across the country are taking part in the initiative led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council between Monday 17 and Sunday 30 October 2022, which is aimed at reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads.
It will also encompass National Safe Speeds Day on Wednesday 19 October.
Hotspots across the county
The traffic operation in Kent will see officers from the Road Safety Unit supported by other roads policing colleagues, volunteers from the Special Constabulary and other uniformed officers visit speeding hotspots across the county. The Safety Camera Team will also be deployed to existing authorised locations to provide a visible deterrent to anyone considering driving over the limit.
Meanwhile, Community Speedwatch volunteers will also be taking part in the operation at approved sites across Kent with 20, 30 and 40mph speed limits. Community Speedwatch is an educational alternative to enforcement, with warning letters sent to registered owners of vehicles caught exceeding the limit.
According to analysis carried out by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, excess speed contributes to around 11% of all injury collisions reported to police, 15% of collisions resulting in serious injury and 24% resulting in death.
Chief Inspector Craig West, Head of Roads Policing at Kent Police, said: ‘Taking action against speeding drivers is part of our daily business and we are committed to keeping our roads as safe as possible, so we fully support this national campaign.
Deaths and serious injuries
‘Speeding is one of the ‘fatal factors’ that contribute to the highest number of road collisions resulting in deaths and serious injuries, along with not wearing a seatbelt, driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs, and using a mobile phone or other electronic device at the wheel.
‘Tackling each of these offences is a priority for Kent Police as part of our commitment to Kent County Council’s Vision Zero strategy, which aims to drastically reduce the number of serious and fatal collisions on our roads.
‘Our message to all motorists is a simple one – protect yourself and others by sticking to the speed limit.’