SERP releases close pass footage
In support of Global Road Safety Week, SERP has released close pass footage to remind drivers to give space and slow down.
This week, 17-23 May, road safety organisations across the world are coming together to highlight the dangers of speed and the need to protect vulnerable road-users such as pedestrians and cyclists.
Today, the Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP) has released several clips of footage sent to the Extra Eyes team, in which cyclists have been passed too closely. All of these resulted in the drivers being prosecuted, whether that was via an educational course or with points and a fine.
Cycling UK says: “The Highway Code requires that drivers “give cyclists at least as much room as you would a car when overtaking” (Rule 163). Most police forces interpret to mean at least 1.5m (the width of a car) at speeds of up to 30mph.
“Cyclists may have to move out to avoid potholes or debris on the road – passing closer than 1.5m puts lives at risk.
“Be patient around cyclists and pedestrians, give them plenty of space and time, and use eye contact to indicate that you have seen them. Use your indicators when performing any manoeuvre or changing lanes.
“Remember – even the smallest lapse in concentration could mean you fail to see a cyclist, with tragic consequences. Be particularly careful around junctions, where 75% of collisions occur.”
Stuart Johnson, Vice-Secretary of Colchester Cycling Campaign, said: “We ask drivers to treat anyone on a bike as if they are your brother, sister, son or daughter – or your best friend. Close passing by cars is dangerous, frightening and puts people off cycling. Please give people on cycles plenty of space when passing.”
Adam Pipe, Head of Roads Policing, said: “In March 2021 we received 131 Extra Eyes submissions from car drivers and 74 from cyclists, despite there being proportionately fewer cyclists on the road. This gives you an idea of how strongly cyclists feel in terms of their safety on the road.
“Where digital evidence highlights, Essex Police will not hesitate to take action against those who drive carelessly or dangerous near cyclists and fail to give sufficient space when passing.
“We all have places to be and we all deserve to arrive safely. Please share the road considerately and be patient with other road-users.”
The Extra Eyes team has received over 200 close pass submissions this year with almost a third of them resulting in a successful prosecution. SERP encourages all road-users to continue sending in their footage of poor or dangerous road-user behaviour.
For more information on how you can do this, please visit https://saferessexroads.org/driving-complaints-2020/
20 May 2021