POLICE spoke to nearly 60 drivers over three days for passing too closely to cyclists.
Operation ‘Close Pass’ took place in Tiddington near Stratford and was held in a bid to improve the safety of cyclists.
It took place at the start of June and saw plain clothes officers on bikes, wearing cameras, ride 75 miles over three days.
Any motorists who passed closer than the recommended 1.5 metres were pulled over and given advice.
A total of 35 drivers were stopped due to unsafe passing distances and 20 drivers were stopped due to the speed they were driving. Three drivers received penalty notice for no insurance.
Sgt Leanne Mason said “We are seeing unprecedented numbers of cyclists on Warwickshire’s roads, and as part of our ongoing commitment to road safety, officers have been running Operation Close Pass to raise awareness and educate both drivers and cyclists about safe passing distances to help reduce the number of cyclists killed or injured on the region’s roads.”
Last year four cyclists were killed and 24 were seriously injured on the county’s roads.
Sgt Mason added “This operation plays a part in helping to reduce these numbers, but we are also encouraging cyclists and drivers to refresh their knowledge of the Highway Code and to self-educate as there are some great materials available online.”
Officers are planning to hold further operations on popular cycle routes across the county.
