Police are aiming to put the brakes on speeding motorists during a crackdown on those who risk lives across the West Midlands.

The force's road harm prevention team will be monitoring collision hotspots across the region as more vehicles and bikes return to the roads following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

Officers will be carrying out speed checks and visible roadside operations around the region over the next two weeks, as part of a nationwide campaign launched by the National Police Chief’s Council. Those caught breaking the law face on-the-spot fines or court action which could lead to penalty points and losing their licence. Sergeant Jon Butler, from the road harm prevention team, said:

"We’re seeing more vehicles returning to the roads and we want to make sure that doesn’t mean more risk of serious, or even worse, fatal collisions on our roads.

"While the vast majority of motorists have respected the speed limits during COVID-19 restrictions, we have seen examples of reckless and dangerous behaviour.

"Travelling at speed can have devastating consequences, not just for yourself but others, and also places more strain on our NHS. The dedicated campaign will see us carry out visible patrols and operations at collision hotspots, and where intelligence tells us drivers and riders are breaking the law and putting lives at risk." 

Figures show an average of 17 people are killed, and 126 seriously injured, in the UK each month when speeding is believed to have been a significant factor. Cutting down on collisions also helps reduce the burden on NHS staff who remain at the forefront of saving lives from coronavirus. West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson, added:

"There are some motorists and motorcyclists who seem to think that due to the lockdown, less busy roads offer the perfect excuse to speed and often excessively. Well they’re not. There is absolutely no excuse for speeding on our roads, turning them into race tracks and threatening the lives of others.

"Speed kills, leaving tragedy behind for many innocent people and families who become victims of other people’s reckless actions. That is why I totally support this national campaign. My message to all motorists is please drive carefully, stay safe and keep others safe." 

For more information or advice on speeding, you can visit the West Midlands Police website, at west-midlands.police.uk.