Commissioner welcomes road safety action plan
Julia Mulligan, North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, said:
“This road safety action plan is a positive step forward in recognising that more must be done to keep vulnerable users of our roads safe and feeling safe. One of the issues raised regularly by both horse riders and cyclists is the danger posed by motorists passing them too fast and too close.
“North Yorkshire has been leading the way to try and tackle this issue, as highlighted by Sergeant Zoe Billings winning a prestigious award last week from the British Horse Society in recognition of her work to help keep riders safe on the roads.
“She was also instrumental in setting up North Yorkshire Police’s Operation Spartan which encourages members of the public to submit intelligence regarding poor driving and anti-social use of vehicles. I welcome the Government’s promise of additional money to support initiatives like this, allowing them to receive and analyse dash cam and helmet cam footage so that motorists can be warned of their dangerous behaviour and enforcement action taken where appropriate.
“These measures, as well as the investment in safety camera vans in North Yorkshire, are vital. Our rural lanes and country roads are used widely by some of our most vulnerable road users including cyclists, walkers and horse riders. They need protection as much as car drivers and motorcyclists, and this action plan is a step in the right direction.”