76 speeding motorists caught in A50 crackdown

27/07/2023

Police ^[1] caught more than 70 speeding motorists on the A50 ^[2] during a summer-long crackdown. Road policing cops teamed up with camera van operatives for the operation in Uttoxeter ^[3] – where the fastest recorded speed was 96mph.

It comes as part of a summer campaign across the county where officers are targeting hotspot routes in an effort to reduce the number of serious crashes in Staffordshire. The latest part of the operation saw the Safety Camera Team set up on the A50 through Uttoxeter on Tuesday (July 25) – while road policing cops were available to pull over some offending motorists.

Officers say a total of 76 were caught speeding with the top speed recorded at 96mph. Meanwhile nine motorists caught going above 86mph were pulled over by the road policing officers – who were out in an unmarked car and motorbike.

StokeonTrentLive had reported this week ^[4] how the force – for the first time ever – had revealed where mobile speed cameras will be deployed this week. Along with Uttoxeter it will also be visiting Tunstall, Kidsgrove, Trentham, Scot Hay, Stone, Tittensor, Barlaston, Eccleshall, Oulton, Cheadle, Kingsley Moor, Checkley and Upper Tean.

READ: 14 North Staffordshire locations where mobile speed cameras will be this week ^[5]

Staffordshire Police launched its #SaferSummerRoads campaign on Monday in response to the number of serious and fatal collisions on the county’s roads. The force say the reason for a dedicated summer initiative is in response to people heading out for holidays, days out and festivals – while officers say traditionally there are more bikers, cyclists and pedestrians out at this time of year.

The scheme will see the camera van joined by roads policing cops in various locations where there have been a history of serious collisions.

Police caught 76 speeding motorists on the A50 through Uttoxeter. (Image: Staffordshire Police)

A spokesperson for the force said: “The effort will be mainly taking place in hotspot areas which have been identified as having a history of collisions or issues with speeding, aims to reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths on Staffordshire roads.

“Remember just a few extra miles per hour can make all the difference to your reaction, breaking distances and consequences of any collision.”

Superintendent Mat Derrick, head of operations with the force says fatal smashes are ‘often preventable’. He said: “Fatal collisions are unexpected and traumatic events that can devastate victims, families and the local communities – but are often preventable.

“That’s why it’s so vital that we continue to educate people on the importance of road safety and continue to proactively police our roads to stop those putting fellow motorists and pedestrians at risk.

Superintendent Mat Derrick, head of operations at Staffordshire Police

“Drivers tend to take more risks in the summer months due the weather being nicer. We want to remind road users of important safety advice as we want everyone to take personal responsibility for their own and others safety on the roads.

“Please travel within the speed limits and adjust your speed according to the conditions and hazards. Remember just a few extra miles per hour can make all the difference to your reaction, breaking distances and ultimate consequence of any collision.

“There will be young people out and about enjoying their time off school and we want to make it clear that all road users should be treated with respect. We should all pay attention to those who are most vulnerable on the roads, such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists to make sure we all get home safely.

“We are also offering advice to motorcyclists due to number of fatal collisions involving them recently. It is important that they wear the appropriate gear for protection and visibility. There are also workshops available such as BikeSafe which give practical advice.”

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