Herts Constabulary warn drivers to take care on country roads

Hertfordshire Constabulary are reminding motorists to reduce their speed when driving on country roads. Country roads are the most dangerous for all road users with more than half of all fatal collisions occurring on them.  A significant factor in these collisions is speed and although the majority of country roads have a legal speed limit of 60mph, the road layout and conditions often do not suit this and require a lower speed. Country roads have many characteristics that other types of roads do not have and when combined with high speeds, it increases the risks to all road users. Most country roads have no pavements, are narrow with frequent sharp and blind bends which require skill when negotiating. Country roads are generally not as well maintained as main and regular roads and so are more likely to have pot holes and fallen branches in them.  These roads are also shared with slow moving farm vehicles and vulnerable road users such as horse riders, pedestrians and cyclists. Inspector Philip Bloor of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Roads Policing Unit said: “Drivers must slow down on rural roads and remember that the national speed limit on these types of roads is a limit and not a target.  The uncertain nature of rural roads means that if you are travelling at 60mph, you may not have enough time to stop should you encounter hazards on the road or if you meet other road users.” “Driving on rural roads can be an enjoyable and scenic alternative to other roads but please do not allow the inviting empty road ahead and the increased speed limits lull you into a false sense of security – slow down”. Hertfordshire Constabulary will continue to carry out speeding enforcement on rural roads across the County and ask drivers to avoid overtaking, to take extra care in bad weather, be aware of horse riders, cyclists and pedestrians, slow down at bends and be vigilant at night.