Motorists educated on staying safe on rural roads in Northumberland

Emergency services have held another event to educate motorists about staying safe on rural roads
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As part of the ongoing dedicated initiative known as Operation Weekender, officers from Northumbria Police have been working alongside their colleagues from Cumbria in a bid to reduce road-related deaths.

The latest event was held in Alston where they engaged with motorists to raise awareness of road safety particularly along the border, an area where officers from the two neighbouring counties have responded to a number of collisions.

An event was also held in Rothbury earlier this summer.

Emergency services from Northumberland and Cumbria have worked in partnership to educate motorists about staying safe on rural roads.Emergency services from Northumberland and Cumbria have worked in partnership to educate motorists about staying safe on rural roads.
Emergency services from Northumberland and Cumbria have worked in partnership to educate motorists about staying safe on rural roads.
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The road network can provide a different set of challenges to those found in more urban areas, with blind bends and steep hills in popular tourist spots.

On Sunday, officers from both forces were joined by partners from North East Ambulance Service, Tyne & Wear Fire Rescue Service, Northumberland Fire & Rescue and Northumberland Safer Roads Initiative to engage and educate motorists on how to help keep themselves safe on the roads.

The event was a great success with pedestrians, motorists – both on four wheels and two – and cyclists paying a visit to have a chat with the team and learn about staying safe when using the rural road network.

Sergeant Paul McIntosh, of Northumbria Police’s Motor Patrols Department, said: "Sunday was a little different to our previous Operation Weekender events as this was a joint partnership initiative with Cumbria Police as we were engaging with motorists along the border.

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“We had a range of visitors come to see us who were interested in how they could help ensure the safety of themselves and their families while using the rural road network.

“It was a great success working with another force, and having the support of the fire and ambulance services to provide advice was invaluable as they were able to share their experiences to raise further awareness around the importance of keeping safe on the roads.

“The event also gave the public a chance to voice their concerns to us and we can now look to work together to resolve these.”

To report any concerns regarding road safety, dangerous driving or motorcycle anti-social behaviour then visit the Northumbria Police website.

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