A campaign aimed at reducing the risk of motorcycle-related deaths and serious injuries on the roads is now underway across the region.

The annual Operation Darwen campaign, which runs from early spring through until the autumn, is aimed at promoting driver and rider safety and will see high visibility patrols being carried out along key routes which have been identified as risk areas.

The campaign sees officers from the Roads Policing Unit, the Armed Alliance Unit and Special Constabulary Road Safety Unit engaging with riders and drivers at popular meeting spots. They are also working closely with Dyfed Powys Police along the border routes and colleagues from Go Safe are also being deployed as part of the operation.

Officers are also reminding motorists that they can submit dash cam footage of any driving offences they witness on the roads of North Wales as part of All Wales’ Operation Snap.

The operation – which involves members of the public submitting their dash cam footage or photographs as evidence has the full support of the Crown Prosecution Service.

Superintendent Jane Banham, head of specialist operations at North Wales Police said: “We look at all motorists as part of the Op Darwen campaign and we will continue to target, with a view to prosecution, all those that ride or drive dangerously, at excess speed, overtake on solid white lines or commit any other road traffic offences.”

During 2017 there were 80 KSI (killed or seriously injured) collisions involving motorcycles in North Wales. The greatest proportion of riders involved in KSI collisions from outside the force area were from the Merseyside and Lancashire areas.

Riders impaired by alcohol and/or drugs showed as an emerging trend as well as under-inflated and illegal tyres.

Supt Banham added: “Reducing casualties on our roads remains one of our top priorities. We want people to enjoy coming to North Wales travelling on some great roads, but most of all we want them to ride and drive safely and responsibly.”