Merseyside saddles up to launch 'close pass' operation to better protect cyclists

MERSEYSIDE'S Police Commissioner has applauded the launch of a 'close pass' operation which aims to better protect the region's cyclists.

The Merseyside Road Safety Partnership Safer Roads Team have introduced:- 'Operation Safe Pass' with the aim of educating drivers about the minimum space needed when overtaking cyclists in order to ensure they can use the roads safely.

The Highway Code stipulate that motorists should give cyclists at least the same distance as vehicles when overtaking and anyone encroaching within the safe passing distance; widely considered to be a minimum of 1.5m; runs the risk of being prosecuted for driving without due care and attention.

The operation, which launched in Sefton, saw drivers who failed to give cyclists the minimum safe space pulled over by the Police and given advice about the potential dangers of their driving. During the 3 hour operation, which took place on:- Derby Road, Crosby Road South and Lord Street, in Southport, a total of 21 motorists were pulled over into nearby Fire Stations where an educational cycle mat was used to demonstrate the actual distance they should leave when overtaking a cyclist. Leaflets explaining the importance of safe pass were also handed out and information was provided to passing members of the public and bike users.

The 'close pass operation' was 1st developed by West Midlands Police, in September 2016 and has since been adopted by a number of other Police forces and road safety partnerships.

The initiative has been welcomed by the region's Police Commissioner, Jane Kennedy, who in May 2017 made improving road safety one of her 5 policing priorities. Earlier this month, she also united with new Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram and the Road Safety Partnership to launch a new road safety strategy for the region.

Jane said:- "Since 2010 Merseyside has witnessed an increase in the number of people killed or seriously injured on its roads. Cyclists are particularly vulnerable and that is why more needs to be done to better protect them and ensure other road users are considerate of their needs. This operation is designed to better educate drivers so they are aware of the space they need to allocate when passing cyclists, but it also carries with it a deterrent; those who continue to flout the law will be prosecuted. Our priority must be making the roads a safer place for all who use them and I hope we can reduce the need for enforcement action by increasing awareness and understanding among drivers through initiatives such as this."

Sergeant Ian McPhail who leads Merseyside Road Safety Partnership's Safer Roads problem solving team said:- "We are committed to protecting all road users and that means putting in place measures to better protect those who use the road who are particularly vulnerable, including cyclists. I want to get the message out 'pass safer, not closer.' We know that the failure by some drivers to give cyclists sufficient space when overtaking is a significant factor in why people are put off from using bikes. Drivers need to be aware that by passing a cyclist too closely they are putting an individual in danger. It is not good enough for motorists to simply concentrate on getting from A to B; they need to be aware of those around them and ensure they are driving in a safe manner which does not put endanger anyone else around them. Drivers who fail to do this face being prosecuted for driving carelessly or even dangerously."

The Office of National Statistics have released latest crime statistics

ON Thursday, 20 July 2017 The Office of National Statistics released crime statistics for forces across the UK, that showed overall crime has increased in England and Wales by 11.1% compared to a 7.5% increase in the Merseyside area. Statistics, for the year ending March 2017, show that the force has achieved a reduction in:- burglary, drug offences, vehicle crime and possession of offensive weapons offences.

Deputy Chief Constable Carl Foulkes said:- "I want to reassure the public of Merseyside that as a Force we will always do what we can to prevent crime and protect our communities, but we also have many other priorities including combating anti social behaviour, dealing with vulnerable victims and targeting organised criminals, work that isn't always represented in crime statistics. Although overall crime in Merseyside has gone up, this has been significantly less than the national average, and I am pleased to see a reduction in burglary, vehicle crime and drugs offences. There has been increases in the levels of recorded violent crime; in line with the majority of other forces who have recorded a rise; which is representative of the way in which violent offences of all classifications are now being recorded by Merseyside Police and does not reflect a genuine increase in non-domestic violence. The increase in reporting of sexual offences is in line with the national trend. As well as improvements in recording it also reflects a willingness of victims to come forward and evidence has shown that a number of high profile national operations have changed the public perception of and confidence in reporting this type of crime. Offences of robbery have seen an increase, driven by personal robbery offences, but Merseyside Police has, and will continue to run, a number of operations aimed at combating this and enhancing public safety and confidence. I am pleased to see that there has been an 8.4% reduction in non-domestic burglaries and that vehicle crime on Merseyside has seen a 1.7% downturn compared to a national increase of 11.2% in vehicle related theft. Everyone at Merseyside Police is absolutely committed to make every effort to reduce crimes of all types, while delivering an excellent policing service to the people of Merseyside. We continue to listen to the concerns of the public and are advancing our fight against serious and organised crime and supporting and protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities. Our officers are dedicated to responding to incidents with courage, courtesy and professionalism, which we hope will build upon strong public confidence to keep our communities safe. We recognise that we cannot be complacent and will continue to strive to find the most efficient and cost effective way to deliver Policing in Merseyside."

We would like to hear our readers thoughts on this, so please email our newsroom to:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com  with your thoughts about Policing on Merseyside and also the crime statistics, on Merseyside and nationally.

Let's celebrate love!

WRITING on the Wall are proud to announce:- 'What's Your World Pride Story,' an anthology of new work by LGBT+ talented writers from across the globe. This is a culmination of a 12 week writing course with Writer and Poet Helen Sandler, 'The Touch Typist' (Diva, 2001) and 'Big Deal' (Sapphire/Virgin, 1999).

Writing on the Wall has once again partnered with Pride, embracing this year's theme of International Love. 2017 marks the 50th Anniversary of the legalisation of homosexuality in the UK. But is this an indication of how accepting the world really is? Many LGBT people still face daily persecution and are forced to flee countries where homosexuality is still illegal.

Many of the 'What's Your World Pride Story' group are refugees seeking asylum in the UK. Their stories are diverse, moving and insightful. The book raises awareness of the issues faced by LGBT+ communities nationally and internationally ranging across multiple themes:- fear, struggle, love and acceptance. This remarkable collection of short stories and poetry features work from authors making their debut and aims to help participants regain their personal narratives.

Join us at the 'What's Your World Pride Story' book launch at the 'Garden Stage,' as part of Pride. We're thrilled and proud to showcase their work so meet the authors, listen to their readings and help celebrate the stunning talent of these ground breaking authors.

WoW Project Manager, Emma Hulme says:- "Liverpool Pride's theme of international love resonated with us this year and presented an opportunity to work with our most diverse group yet. Often, the struggles that people face for acceptance within their own LGBT+ communities goes ignored, the struggles within this community are not a single story and this project has helped empower and represent those voices. The anthology shares writing from trans females, refugees and asylum seekers and BRM communities making it not just a collection of creative writing but an important piece of activism too."

Find out more about 'What's Your World Pride Story' and other projects via the Writing on the Wall's website. 'What's Your World Pride Story Book Launch' is on 'The Garden Stage,' from 1:40pm to 2:10pm also 2:50pm to 3:20pm, on Saturday, 29 July 2017.

Lost medication in the Waterloo area

ON Tuesday, 18 July 2017, Merseyside Police issued a warning to the public and asked them to be on the look out for lost medication, within the Marina Park area of Waterloo. The medication is believed to comprise of 3 x 28 5mg Diazepam tablets. These tablets should not be taken under any circumstances unless presrcibed. Officers are warning that people that take any medication which has not been presrcibed can be very dangerous and, in some circumstances fatal. Anyone who finds the medication should immediately hand it into any Pharmacy or Police Station or call Officers on:- 101.