Police and Partners Join Forces in Oakham to Tackle "Fatal 4" Road Offences

Police and Partners Join Forces in Oakham to Tackle "Fatal 4" Road Offences

In a concerted effort to improve road safety, Leicestershire Police, in collaboration with the Community Safety Partnership team, have been conducting a proactive operation in Oakham, Rutland. The campaign, which focuses on the "Fatal 4" driving offences, is a key part of the ongoing strategy to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads of Leicestershire, Leicester, and Rutland.

Motorists in the area were stopped by officers and partnership staff as part of a high-visibility operation aimed at both educating the public and enforcing road safety laws. The "Fatal 4" are the four main causes of fatal and serious road collisions: speeding, using a mobile phone while driving, not wearing a seatbelt, and driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

This operation highlights the collaborative approach of local authorities and emergency services in creating safer communities.

What is the Fatal 4 Campaign?

The "Fatal 4" campaign is a national and local initiative designed to raise awareness of the most dangerous behaviors on the road. The four offences are:

Speeding: Driving over the speed limit significantly reduces a driver's ability to react and increases the severity of a collision.

Drink and Drug Driving: Any amount of alcohol or drugs can impair a driver's judgment, reaction time, and coordination, putting themselves and others at risk.

Using a Mobile Phone: A driver using a mobile phone is significantly distracted and has a slower reaction time than a drunk driver.

Not Wearing a Seatbelt: Failing to wear a seatbelt is a major factor in fatalities and serious injuries. A seatbelt can cut the chance of being killed in a crash by up to 50%.

Leicestershire Police and their partners regularly conduct operations and educational campaigns to tackle these issues. The recent stop checks in Oakham are a direct example of this commitment.

Explaining Leicestershire Police and the Community Safety Partnership

The success of such campaigns is a direct result of the close working relationship between Leicestershire Police and the Community Safety Partnership.

Leicestershire Police:

Leicestershire Police is the territorial police force responsible for policing the city of Leicester and the counties of Leicestershire and Rutland. Their role extends beyond simply responding to crime. They work proactively to prevent crime, protect vulnerable people, and maintain public order. This includes initiatives like the "Fatal 4" campaign, which is a key part of their strategy to make the roads safer for all users. The force works closely with local communities, using intelligence and community feedback to set local priorities and deploy resources effectively.

Community Safety Partnership:

The Community Safety Partnership (CSP) is a formal alliance of organisations with a legal duty to work together to reduce crime, disorder, and anti-social behaviour. In Leicestershire and Rutland, the partnership includes key agencies such as:

Leicestershire Police

Local Authorities (like Rutland County Council)

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service

Health Services

Probation Services

The CSP operates on the principle that no single agency can tackle crime and safety issues alone. By pooling resources, sharing data, and developing joint strategies, they are better equipped to address complex problems. Their work includes:

Identifying and tackling local crime and safety priorities.

Supporting victims of crime.

Preventing re-offending.

Addressing issues like drug and alcohol misuse.

The presence of the Community Safety Partnership team alongside Leicestershire Police officers in Oakham demonstrates this integrated approach. By working together on the ground, they can provide a more comprehensive response to road safety, combining enforcement with public awareness and engagement. This collaborative model is central to building safer, healthier, and more prosperous communities across the region.