Warning to drivers in North Yorkshire as Easter Bank Holiday and easing of lockdown restrictions creates 'perfect storm' for road accidents

Traffic officers in North Yorkshire are stepping up patrols over the Bank Holiday weekend amidst concerns the easing of some lockdown restrictions could create the 'perfect storm' for accidents.
By Susie Beever
Published 2nd Apr 2021, 16:54 BST
Updated 2nd Apr 2021, 16:58 BST
A cyclist at accident black spot Dibbles Bridge, near Grassington, North YorkshireA cyclist at accident black spot Dibbles Bridge, near Grassington, North Yorkshire
A cyclist at accident black spot Dibbles Bridge, near Grassington, North Yorkshire

Dangerous and careless drivers have been warned "we will be there – and we won't always be visible", as a RAC survey reveals 5.6m Brits are expected to take to the roads over the long Easter weekend.

North Yorkshire Police has launched an operation due to continue throughout the spring and summer in a bid to prevent fatalities on the roads, and said the combination of the Bank Holiday, improved weather and people now being able to meet outdoors in a group of six could provide the 'perfect storm' for collisions.

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Officers have also warned of the risks of getting behind the wheel after driving skills becoming "rusty" after months of staying at home.

Traffic sergeant Pete Stringer said: "With a slight easing of the Covid rules, the Bank Holiday, the traffic and the weather, we're looking at the roads around the north of Craven in particularly with the aim of reducing casualty figures.

"We had a bit of an uplift last year in the numbers of people either killed or seriously injured, so our response is to flood the area at peak times with both marked and unmarked officers, and the safety camera vans as well.

"We've got around 20 resources around the Dales at the moment."

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Any drivers found to be breaching the Government guidelines to 'stay local' will also be dealt with accordingly, Sgt Stringer added.

He said that cyclists and motorcyclists were particularly vulnerable when it came to road accidents, with "more cyclists than ever before" predicted to be out on the roads over the Easter weekend.

"It's just a case of being respectful towards each other," he said.

"People are just so desperate to get out and may be tempted to go further than they should do or take chances. All the ingredients are there, plus the increased Bank Holiday traffic, and we're trying to get it nipped in the bud before we have any serious collisions."

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