Policing teams tackle dangerous and anti-social driving on Oxfordshire’s roads
Thames Valley Police’s Oxfordshire Neighbourhood Policing teams were out on Sunday (13/7) alongside the Roads Policing Unit and Safety Camera Teams in a joint effort targeting reckless driving in the south of the county.
Matthew Barber joined the operation aimed to tackle growing community concerns and increased reports of dangerous motorbike use on the A4074, one of Oxfordshire’s key routes. The initiative forms part of a broader plan to deploy both overt and covert tactics designed to create safer conditions for all road users.
Across a period of three hours, 20 speeding tickets were issued, while officers visited people suspected to be involved in anti-social behaviour on the roads, and section 59 warnings were issued to those engaging in anti-social and irresponsible driving.
Inspector Neil Byrne, who organised the operation, said: “This operation was carried out in response to concerns raised by our communities in relation to a number of individuals riding motorbikes in an anti-social and reckless manner in South Oxfordshire. While we know that the vast majority of motorcyclists in our area are responsible and safe road users, we will continue to work hard to tackle those who put themselves and others in danger via their reckless and potentially lethal driving.
“People may ask, ‘Haven’t the police got anything better to do?’, and the answer is yes. These officers are being taken away from other duties to try and keep this road safe for all those who use it. We are dedicated to reassuring and supporting the local community, who have been tormented by this behaviour for far too many months now.
“I sincerely hope that this multi-agency response demonstrates the force’s commitment to public safety, while also sending a clear message that those endangering lives will be held accountable. Residents can expect to see continued enforcement activity and a police presence in the area in the coming weeks as our wider plan unfolds to make Oxfordshire’s roads safer.”
Matthew Barber, Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, said: “I was pleased to join Sunday’s policing operation, focused on tackling persistent speeding along the A4074.
“We know that residents in the area have expressed concerns with excessive noise and a lack of compliance with speed limits along this route.
“Alongside colleagues from Thames Valley Police, it was positive to see the work local officers are doing to tackle this issue including the deployment of a road safety van to address local concerns.
“As part of my strategy to improve road safety across Thames Valley, I am collaborating with various organisations and Local Authorities responsible for our road networks with the aim of creating safer roads for all.
“I will continue to monitor the impact of the policing operation in the area, to ensure that residents’ concerns are heard and our communities feel safer.”
Please continue to report incidents via the Thames Valley Police website or by calling 101. In an emergency, or if a crime is in progress, please call 999.
