Police launch crack down on Cloverleaf bikers this weekend (From Redditch Advertiser)

Police launch crack down on Cloverleaf bikers this weekend

6:10pm Friday 15th March 2013 in News

POLICE will this weekend launch an operation designed to combat problems caused by motorcyclists on dual carriageways in Redditch, and in particular at the ‘Cloverleaf’ junction, which have prompted complaints from residents.

Specialist West Mercia units including motorcycle police and the Force Operations Support Team (FOST) will be involved in the initiative which starts on Sunday and will be focused on where the A448, A4189 and A441 dual carriageways meet in the centre of the town.

The aim will be to provide a highly visible deterrent to speeders and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology will be employed to identify vehicles that may be on the road illegally or in some other way involved in crime.

Redditch District Inspector Ian Joseph said: “In the spring and summer, on nice weekends and particularly on Sundays, the road network around the Cloverleaf is always busy with fair weather bikers testing their skills on the bends there, racing up and down the dual carriageways and sometimes posting their efforts on YouTube.

“Sadly they are not always able to maintain control of their bikes and can often come off, with predictable and sometimes tragic results.

“There is an obvious road safety issue there which needs to be addressed for the benefit of all road users and that’s why we are launching this operation. This action is also being taken in support of people living near the dual carriageways who have complained through their district and county councillors about the noise and the very obvious high speeds of the machines involved.

“Additionally, as part of the operation we will be ensuring that motorbikes are not parked on the A448 overbridge in breach of the clearway which was put in place there to prevent such gatherings.

“We intend to continue with this initiative until the message gets through to the minority of motorcyclists causing the problems that their activities will not be tolerated here. It also demonstrates that we do listen to neighbourhood concerns and act on them where necessary.”

In support of the operation West Mercia Safer Roads Partnership will be placing ‘Think Bike’ signage at and near the Cloverleaf junction to raise awareness and encourage motorcyclists and other motorists to look out for each other.

The Safer Roads Partnership is also promoting its 'Take Control' motorcycle skills enhancement course for bikers who want to brush up on their skills, gain more skills and confidence on their bike or become a better rider in preparation for their full test. The course is subsidised by the partnership so riders can get a half day course for £25 or full day for only £50. Visit www.rmtnet.co.uk/take-control for more details.