Amajor safety crackdown on Cheshire’s most dangerous rural roads could ultimately ‘save lives’, say police.
Throughout the summer months, Operation Margin will be primarily targeting drink and drug-drivers who use some of the county’s most well known roads and asking them to participate in a series of safety tests.
Motorists driving in a suspicious manner can expect to be pulled over and asked to provide a breath sample or take part in basic field impairment tests like balancing on one leg while counting out loud, or walking along a line without straying.
Other tests include pupil examination and proving they are able to successfully touch the tip of their nose with their eyes closed several times
With villages like Malpas, Tarporley, Tarvin and Tattenhall all containing a number of de-restricted roads which give drivers reduced visibility, narrow width and are likely to have more agricultural vehicles and livestock traffic, police say the importance of traffic enforcement is currently one of their biggest priorities.
PC Adam Norton, who has been working on Operation Margin, said: “These tests are designed to highlight difficulties in multi-tasking, time perception, balance and co-ordination, skills essential to maintaining a good standard of driving.”
"Figures suggest that drink-driving is more common during the summer months and offenders need to realise that not only do they stand to lose their licence and have their vehicle seized, but they are risking the safety of everyone around them.
"Although we are constantly looking to improve the safety of our roads, Operation Margin has given us the opportunity to combine our efforts with additional regional resources."
PC Norton said: "Most of the drivers we have spoken to understand that this is ultimately about saving lives.
"The local community regularly tell us that road safety is a priority for them and they have been very supportive with this."
Specific routes that are to be targeted in the crackdown include the A51 at Tarvin and Tarporley, the A56 at Frodsham, Helsby and Mickle Trafford, the A556/A54 at Cuddington, Kelsall and Tarvin, the A41 heading towards Malpas and the A49 at Acton Bridge and Tarporley.
