Lancashire Constabuary - Safety Message

OVER 35 motorists were stopped by police as part a countywide crackdown on rural crime in Longridge.

Police teamed up with the Fire Service for the operation which was held on Preston Road and the surrounding areas between 10am and 4pm on Wednesday 21 September.

Road side checks identified 35 motorists who were not wearing a seatbelt, using a mobile phone whilst driving or speeding. Of those who were stopped, seven drivers were given a chance to attend a road safety presentation at the fire station.

Run by local fire fighters, the presentation is aimed at driving home important road safety advice to deter motorists from driving dangerously in the future.

The action came as part of Operation Firecrest - a countywide crackdown on rural crime. Officers have been carrying out extra patrols in remote areas; targeting suspected offenders; making visits to farms and rural businesses to offer crime prevention advice and hosting community meetings as well as providing a police presence at auction marts and other key locations.

Sgt Graham Marshall said: "The aim of this operation was to identify any offences connected to rural crime as part of Operation Firecrest whilst raising awareness of road safety amongst motorists.

"People who drive dangerously by failing to wear a seatbelt, use a mobile whilst driving or speed, know they are breaking the law and that they risk a fine and penalty points.

"What they might not realise is the danger they are putting themselves and other road users in, which is why we have chosen this innovative approach.

"The presentation was deemed suitable for seven of the motorists who were stopped for speeding and using a mobile phone whilst driving. It is extremely effective in deterring people from driving dangerously in the future."