Bike Safety Blitz in Shoreham Nabs Dangerous Drivers
Sussex cops teamed up with the Safer Roads Partnership for a high-impact day of cycling safety and crackdowns on bad driving. The event, held on April 14th in Shoreham, was part of the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s ‘two-wheeled’ campaign to protect vulnerable cyclists.
Close Pass Crackdown Gets Tough
Superintendent James Collis, head of Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing, explained the aim: “Operation Close Pass is about keeping cyclists safe and reining in risky behaviour from both drivers and riders. Cyclists are among the most vulnerable on our roads, so drivers must give at least 1.5 metres when overtaking.”
A police cyclist acted as a secret ‘spotter’, catching two drivers who passed too close. Both got a stern talking-to and opted for educational warnings. The Highway Code’s Rule 163 clearly states the safe passing distance, but some drivers still flout it.
Other Offences Caught in the Net
- Three drivers caught without seatbelts
- Three using mobile phones while driving
- One arrested for drug-driving (over cannabis limit) and seatbelt offences
- One cyclist nabbed for running a red light
- Two motorcyclists penalised: one without L plates, one for careless overtaking
- Insecure load led to vehicle seizure over no tax
Several Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) were issued on the spot.
Cycling Collisions Still a Major Issue
In 2020, Sussex saw 550 cycling injury collisions, with five fatal crashes. Sergeant Richard Hornsey of Sussex Safer Roads Partnership stressed: “We run cycle safety ops year-round, not just during NPCC campaigns. The public response was fantastic, with families like one from Surrey to Brighton stopping by for high-visibility gear.”
He added, “With better weather, all road users must rethink their habits to avoid the ‘fatal five’:
- Speeding
- Drink and drug-driving
- Mobile phone use
- Not wearing a seatbelt
- Careless driving
“These cause the most serious and deadly accidents on our roads.”
