Operation Crackdown
Don’t tolerate it ...report it’ - that’s the crucial New Year message from the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership to residents in Sussex. By getting involved with Operation Crackdown local residents can help make the roads of Sussex safer for everyone in 2010 and beyond.
Inspector Marc Clothier of the Sussex Police Road Policing Unit says,” As we start the new year, I am keen to remind residents that anti-social, careless or dangerous driving or riding is not acceptable on the roads of Sussex . I would encourage members of the local community to use Operation Crackdown’s reporting facility to provide us with information about those people who drive or ride in a manner which puts the lives of others at risk. The information you supply will be analysed and then any appropriate action can be taken by Sussex Police, which will help us to make a difference to the number of people who are killed or seriously injured on the roads in Sussex.”
He continues,”Motorists know the risks created by driving or riding at excess or inappropriate speeds, using a mobile phone (either to take calls or text), drink or drug-driving, by the non-wearing of seatbelts or by driving a vehicle in an unsafe condition. We use the latest technology to target anti-social drivers and riders once they have been identified locally either by officers or Operation Crackdown reports.There are plans for targeted promotions within areas where reports are currently lower throughout February and additional action planned for the spring and summer months.”
Neil Hopkins, Communications Manager of the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership says,”Everyone can help make the roads of Sussex safer. Just by storing the Operation Crackdown number in their phones - 01243 642222 or by going to www.Operation Crackdown.org, when they see inappropriate or unacceptable driving or riding. But please make sure when you are reporting anti-social driving that you pull over safely at the side of the road or ask a passenger to write down details.”
He continues, “Be careful to note the vehicle’s make, model, colour and number plate. When you are noting the location, use house numbers and road names to pinpoint where the incident happened or where you spotted a potential abandoned vehicle."
Here are Ten New Year Resolutions road users can make in order to help the roads of Sussex safer for everyone:
1. Help the targeting of persistent bad drivers before they cause a collision.
2. Use Crackdown to tell us about abandoned vehicles, reducing the amount of time vehicles remain in community and saving significant costs in the process.
3. If it’s an abandoned vehicle, if possible take a digital picture of it.
4. Do it! It only takes a few moments, when you are at work or home to visit the Operation Crackdown website to record your anti-social riding/driving information.
5. Remember: Do not attempt to write anything down whilst driving. Don’t add to the problem!
6.Tell all your family and friends about Operation Crackdown. The more people who are thinking about road safety in Sussex, the better.
7. Don’t take risks, if other people are driving inappropriately, don’t let their behaviour influence yours.
8. When walking, cycling or biking wear something bright or highly visible to alert your presence to other road users.
9.Vist this website regularly to find out more our road safety initiatives and how you can help make the roads in Sussex safer.
10. Get involved, let 2010 be the year when you join in with Operation Crackdown – Don’t tolerate it....Report it!
