More than 150 offenders were caught as police carried out a weekend road safety operation throughout Sussex ‘providing education, engagement and enforcement’ in support of the National Police Chiefs’ two-wheeled campaign.

More than 120 traffic offence reports, fixed penalty notices and court summons were issued across the county last weekend and all this on top of year-round routine police road duties.

Focusing mainly on motorcyclists by raising awareness of their vulnerabilities and dealing “robustly” with offenders, police also engaged with drivers and cyclists.

Chief Inspector Michael Hodder, of the Roads Policing Unit, said: “We hope this sends out a clear message that we will not tolerate dangerous or antisocial riding or driving and we will continue to target those who put themselves and others at risk on our roads.

“In 2020, there were 468 collisions in Sussex leading to motorcyclists being injured, nine of which were tragically fatal. All road users need to play their part in helping reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads. Think about your behaviour, as it could save—or cost—a life.”

Locally, roughly 50 motorcyclists were seen travelling from Hastings to Eastbourne via the A259. They were followed by police to Beachy Head, where officers engaged with them, before they continued to Polegate via the A22, where a number of offences were noted and are being dealt with according to the police.

Around Sussex, a large number of riders were engaged with both on the roads and at meet-up points such as cafes and were ‘good-spirited’.

Chief Inspector Hodder added: “There was a joint understanding between police and most motorcyclists of the importance of road safety, and our presence and engagement was welcomed by the community.

“We appreciate the vast majority of road users travel safely and responsibly and our aim is to work with them – rather than against them – as we strive to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads.”

Ending with a warning to dangerous drivers, Chief Inspector Hodder said: “With further activity planned, I’d like to remind everyone that we welcome considerate riding and driving, but we will deal robustly with anyone who misuses our roads.”