Tag Archives: Surrey

Speed Enforcement Campaign Identifies 475 Speeding Offences on Surrey’s Roads In Just 13 Days

Message from Surrey Police:

Over thirteen days in late May and early June Surrey’s roads policing officers took part in the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) Fatal Four National Speed Campaign.

Whilst speed enforcement is part of the daily job for officers, dedicated patrols were sent out in support of the campaign.
 
Between Monday 25 May and Saturday 6 June officers spoke to 496 drivers on Surrey’s roads. Of these, 377 were men and 369 were over 25 years-old.
 
During this period, 518 road offences were identified, some drivers had committed multiple offences, of these 449 involved cars, 21 involved motorcycles, 27 involved vans, and 21 involved lorries.
 
The majority of the 475 speeding offences related to 30 mph zones (344) followed by 70 mph zones (83).
 
Officers issued 208 traffic offence reports during this period, 22 people were reported for summons, and 248 people were given a verbal warning.
 
Drive SMART – The Surrey Safer Roads Partnership, supported the campaign, as they continue work to combat the high speeds taking place on the county’s roads. Drive SMART is also running a county-wide awareness campaign to raise awareness of speed enforcement with fewer motorists on the county’s roads due to government restrictions that are in place.

Matt Furniss, Chairman of the Drive SMART partnership board and Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, said:

“While there have been fewer cars on the roads during the lockdown, we have seen more people walking and cycling. There are multiple benefits to this for health and the environment, as well as reducing congestion, so we’re currently working to put in measures across the county to encourage residents to travel by foot or bike.
 
“Roads aren’t just for drivers, so it’s vital that we keep them safe for everyone who uses them. At the county council we’re pleased to be working with the police and other Drive SMART partners to bring speeds down on our roads and make them safer for all.”

Following the NPCC speed enforcement campaign Chief Inspector Michael Hodder who is in charge of roads policing in Surrey and Sussex said:

“Over the past month we’ve carried out work to engage with all road users to improve road safety for everyone. This has included Operation Close Pass and responding to issues identified to us by our communities across the county.
 
“The NPCC campaign focused specifically on vehicles travelling at excessive speed, not just on motorways and A roads, but also quieter more rural roads. The results of the campaign show that the vast majority of speeding offences we observed on Surrey’s roads were in 30mph zones.
 
“This re-enforces the view that emptier roads have led to temptation for irresponsible drivers who do not foresee the consequences of their actions. It only takes a split second for something catastrophic to happen. We must share the roads responsibly, it is imperative we continue to work together to reduce the pressure on the NHS and emergency services, so they can focus their efforts on saving lives and caring for our communities”.


Message Sent By
Jim Pusey (Police, Corporate Communications Officer, Surrey Police)

Public Health England and Surrey County Council statement on confirmed COVID-19 case in Surrey

This evening, the BBC reported a patient at Haslemere Health Centre (which has been closed for “deep cleaning” since this morning) is the first to be reported to be infected with the coronavirus in the UK. BBC article here.

Surrey County Council is continuing to work together with partners including Public Health England (PHE) across Surrey and the UK to monitor and ensure preparedness for the Coronavirus outbreak.

Dr Alison Barnett, Centre Director, Public Health England South East, said:

“Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with confirmed cases of COVID-19. One of the latest cases is a resident of Surrey and we’re working closely with NHS colleagues in that area as well as Surrey County Council to manage the situation and help reduce the risk of further cases.

“Close contacts will be given health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after contact with the confirmed case. This tried and tested method will ensure we are able to minimise any risk to them and the wider public.”

Interim Director of Public Health for Surrey County Council Ruth Hutchinson said:

“Surrey County Council is working with health colleagues to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Surrey are protected.

“Good hygiene is the best prevention and there are some simple steps you can take to protect you and your family by washing your hands regularly and thoroughly and if you cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.

“If you have recently been to one of the affected countries and are feeling unwell, you should phone the NHS 111 helpline for further advice straight away – please don’t go to your doctor or a hospital. There’s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus”

Notes to Editors

  • Surrey County Council, PHE and the NHS are well prepared to deal with coronavirus. Our priority is to safeguard local communities which sometimes involves taking preventative measures to help reduce the risk of further cases.
  • We cannot comment further on individual cases due to patient confidentiality.
  • Details on testing are published daily at 2pm and includes a breakdown of negative and positive tests https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public
  • For more information and advice on coronavirus (COVID-19)

PHE https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/01/23/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-what-you-need-to-know/

NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/