Insp Marc Clothier of
the Sussex Police Road Policing Unit said: "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 continued:
"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."
Neil Hopkins, communications manager of the
Sussex Safer Roads Partnership said: "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.
"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. Don't ignore it - 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. Go to
www.SussexSaferRoads.gov.uk 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!


