POLICE MOTORCYCLE ENFORCEMENT STRATEGY
FOR ENGLAND, WALES & NORTHERN IRELAND
Association
of Chief Police Officer of England,
Wales & Northern Ireland
"Tomorrow's
Roads - Safer for Everyone"
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In March 2000
the Government published a road safety strategy for the next 10 years. This includes
casualty reduction targets to be achieved by 2010. These are a 40% reduction in
the number of people killed or seriously injured (KSI); a 50% reduction in the
number of children killed or seriously injured; and a 10% reduction in the slight
injury casualty rate.
A key factor in achieving these targets is the safety of motorcyclists. Motorcyclists
represent a large proportion of road casualties in relation to their numbers.
They make up around 1% of road traffic, but suffer around 18% of deaths and serious
injuries.
The strategy has two main objectives:
- To reduce the
number of people killed and seriously injured as a result of motorcycle collisions.
- To reduce the
level of anti-social behaviour associated with a small irresponsible minority
of motorcyclists that disproportionately effect the quality of life for some communities.
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Focus
Points of the Strategy
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Dangerous
Riding -should in most cases be dealt with by way of prosecution, especially
in cases where there is a victim. There is a need to deliver a clear message that
behaviour constituting this offence will not be tolerated and that firm and positive
action will be taken to address it.
Careless Riding - it is recommended that where this offence is committed,
and there is a victim, prosecution should be the preferred option with all road
users dealt with in the same manner.
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Exceeding
speed limits -prosecution
in compliance with existing detailed ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers)
guidelines and individual force policies.
Failure to comply with road signs -consider pre-court interventions.
These offences should not normally be isolated incidents, but should be accompanied
by aggravating factors for example excessive speed or prolonged misuse of double
white line markings.
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Registration
plates -
the test to be applied, if not easily legible from 20.5 metres, prosecution and
inform DVLA.(Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency)
Illegal exhausts - in cases with
no noise annoyance, consider the use of the Vehicle Defect Rectification Scheme
and appropriate advice.
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Tinted
visors - if used during daylight hours, advice only, if used during the hours
of darkness or conditions of reduced visibility consider prosecution using 'Tintman'
equipment where available.
Coloured headlamps - intervention recommended only if the light cover is
red, VDRS (Vehicle Defect Rectification Scheme) is recommended as the primary
option. Advice to be given for colours other than white
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For a full detailed explation of the strategy policy please
click here |
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