By Gillian Ellison

Published at 11:05, Thursday, 14 February 2013

POLICE have launched a crackdown on motorists speeding to and from the Sellafield site.

Cumbria Constabulary’s Sellafield Policing Unit is also tackling other traffic issues on behalf of local communities such as Beckermet, Ennerdale, Kirkland, Seascale and St Bees.

These villages have long highlighted that speeding is an issue, say police.

Sellafield Ltd, who operate the site, has issued several notices to staff encouraging them to drive safely and carefully when coming to and from work, but feedback from villagers suggests a problem still exists.

The campaign started on Monday, jointly supported by Copeland Police and the newly-formed Sellafield Policing Unit, which consists of officers from Cumbria Constabulary.

It will run throughout the month, with officers situated in prime locations on the roads with the aim of catching those who are speeding, using their mobile phones while driving or driving vehicles which are unfit.

Sgt Mike Quigley said: “Our aim is to help reduce the amount of people who are seriously injured or killed on our roads. Speeding is a contributory factor in road related collisions and by tackling the problem now, we hope to prevent a serious collision which could result in someone being killed.

“We are working closely with officers from both Copeland and Sellafield Policing Unit as the road network which is being targeting is one of the main commuter routes for staff at Sellafield.

“Our aim is to send out a clear message, reduce your speed, pay full attention to the road when driving and maintain your vehicle. It is these basic things that could potentially save your life.”

If you have a problem with speeding vehicles in your neighbourhood speak to a member of the neighbourhood policing team by ringing 101.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk