Category: Road safety

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend standing in front of police vans

“They should feel ashamed”: Commissioner blasts “appallingly selfish” drivers who snapped serious crash pics

Posted on | by Alex Winter

DRIVERS caught taking photos of a serious crash while behind the wheel will face consequences, Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner has warned.

Lisa Townsend has told of her fury at the “appallingly selfish” motorists who were spotted by officers from the Roads Policing Unit snapping images of a collision earlier this month.

Officers captured images of a number of drivers with phones aloft on their body worn video cameras as they worked at the scene of a serious incident on the M25 on May 13.

A man was taken to hospital after his motorbike was involved in a collision with a blue Tesla in the anticlockwise carriageway of the motorway between junctions 9 and 8.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend outside office at the Surrey Police HQ

All of those caught taking photographs by the team will be issued with six points and a £200 fine.

Using a mobile phone, tablet or any other device that can send and receive data while driving or riding a motorbike is illegal, even if the device is offline. The law applies when motorists are stuck in traffic or stopped at a red light.

Exceptions are made when a driver needs to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop, when they’re safely parked, or if they’re making a contactless payment in a vehicle that isn’t moving, such as at a drive-through restaurant.

Hands-free devices can be used as long as they’re not held at any time.

Lisa, who has road safety at the heart of her Police and Crime Plan and recently announced that she is the new national lead for roads policing and transport for the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, said: “During this incident, our fantastic Roads Policing Unit were working at the scene of a crash that resulted in serious injury to a motorcyclist.

‘It puts lives at risk’

“Unbelievably, some drivers were passing in the opposite lane with their phones out so they could take photos and video of the collision.

“This is a crime, and it’s very well known that drivers cannot have their phones in their hands when they’re driving – it’s appallingly selfish behaviour that puts lives at risk.

“Quite apart from the danger they have caused, I cannot understand what motivates someone to film such distressing footage.

“These drivers would do well to remind themselves that a person has been badly hurt. Collisions are not an entertaining sideshow for TikTok, but real, traumatic incidents that can change lives forever.

“Every driver who did this should feel thoroughly ashamed of themselves.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend with members of the Surrey Police road safety team at an awareness raising stall

Commissioner visits driver safety roadshow – amid warnings that collisions are rising following lockdowns

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner has joined a roadshow dedicated to reducing crash casualties – as she warned that collisions in the county are rising following lockdowns.

Lisa Townsend visited a college in Epsom on Tuesday morning to mark Project EDWARD (Every Day Without a Road Death).

Project EDWARD is the UK’s biggest platform showcasing best practice in road safety. Working alongside partners in the emergency services, members of the team have hosted a tour around the south for its week of action, which ends today.


During two busy events at Nescot and Brooklands colleges in Surrey, police officers from the casualty reduction team and roads policing unit, firefighters, the Surrey RoadSafe team and representatives from Kwik Fit engaged with young people about the importance of keeping their vehicles and themselves safe on the roads.

Students were given advice on vehicle maintenance, with demonstrations about tyre and engine safety.

Police officers also used goggles mimicking impairment to show the impact drink and drugs have on cognition, and attendees were invited to participate in a virtual reality experience highlighting the impact that distraction behind the wheel can have.

Commissioner’s roads plea

Data on serious and fatal collisions in Surrey last year has not yet been fully verified. However, police have recorded more than 700 collisions that resulted in a serious injury during 2022 – an increase on 2021, when 646 people were badly hurt. During the first half of 2021, the country was in lockdown.

Road safety is a key priority in Lisa’s Police and Crime Plan, and her office funds a series of initiatives aimed at keeping younger drivers safe.

Lisa also recently announced that she is the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners’ new lead for road safety nationally. The role will encompass rail and maritime travel and road safety.

She said: “Surrey is home to the busiest stretch of motorway in Europe – and it’s one of the most dangerous carriageways as a direct result of the sheer number of drivers who travel on it every day.

Lisa joined casualty reduction officers from Surrey Police at a Project EDWARD roadshow on Tuesday

“But we also have huge diversity in the county when it comes to our roads. There are many rural stretches of highway, particularly in the south.

“What’s most important to remember is that any road is a risk if a motorist is distracted or driving dangerously, and this is a critically important issue for our two fantastic traffic teams, the Roads Policing Unit and Vanguard Road Safety Team.

“Due to their inexperience, young people are particularly at risk from crashes, and it’s absolutely key to provide sensible, clear education on driving as early as possible.

“That’s why I was so pleased to join the team at Project EDWARD and Surrey RoadSafe on Tuesday.

“Project EDWARD’s ultimate aim is to create a road traffic system that is completely free of death and serious injury.

“They promote the Safe System approach, which focuses on designing roads, vehicles and speeds that work together to reduce the likelihood and severity of crashes.

“I wish them every success in their campaign to keep motorists around the country safe.”

The Commissioner also signed Project EDWARD’s safe driving pledge

For more information, visit https://projectedward.org or https://facebook.com/surreyroadsafe

Commissioner Lisa Townsend outside of the Home Office

Commissioner’s warning of lives at risk as hundreds of drivers ignore motorway lane closure signals

Posted on | by Alex Winter

HUNDREDS of drivers ignore motorway lane closure signals during every traffic incident in Surrey – putting lives at risk, the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner has warned.

Lisa Townsend, who last week visited officials at the Department for Transport after taking on a major national role for transport safety, hit out at motorists who continue to drive in lanes marked with a red cross.

Crosses are clearly marked on smart motorway gantries when part of the carriageway is closed. Such a closure might take place if a car has broken down or a crash has been reported.

If a driver sees a red cross illuminated, they must carefully move into another lane.

Variable speed limits are often also disregarded by some drivers. Different limits are imposed based on a variety of factors, including heavy traffic, roadworks or an upcoming obstruction.

Lisa, who is the Association of Police and Crime Commissioner’s new lead for roads policing and transport, said: “Both the red cross sign and variable limits are absolutely essential when it comes to keeping drivers safe on motorways.

“Most drivers respect these signals, but there are some who choose to ignore them. By doing so, they put themselves and others at huge risk.

“Not only is it illegal to drive in this way, it’s very dangerous. If you’re caught speeding or driving in a closed lane by either our Roads Policing Unit or Vanguard Road Safety Team, or by an enforcement camera, the best you can expect is a fixed penalty notice of up to £100 and three points on your licence.

“The police also have the option to impose harsher penalties, and the driver could even be charged and taken to court.”

Dan Quin, lead for transportation at the National Fire Chiefs Council, said: “Red cross signals are there to indicate when a lane is closed.

“When used in the event of emergencies, they provide invaluable access to the scene of an incident, preventing time lost in negotiating the build-up of traffic. 

‘So dangerous’

“Red cross signals also provide safety for workers while on the road, including emergency services and the public, by reducing the risk of further collisions. 

“Ignoring Red cross signals is dangerous, it is an offence and all road users have a role to play in complying with them.” 

All police forces have been able to use enforcement cameras to prosecute drivers who illegally pass under a red cross sign since September last year.

Surrey Police was one of the first forces to prosecute drivers caught by cameras, and has been doing so since November 2019.

Since then, it has issued more than 9,400 notices of intended prosecution, and almost 5,000 drivers have attended safety awareness courses. Others have paid a fine or appeared in court.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend and Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson standing in front of a Surrey Police car

Commissioner takes on major national role for transport safety

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Commissioner has taken on a major national role for transport safety – as she vowed to pursue greater penalties for those who put lives at risk while behind the wheel, on a bicycle, or astride an e-scooter.

Lisa Townsend is now the Association of Police and Crime Commissioner’s lead for roads policing and transport, which will encompass rail and maritime travel and road safety.

As part of the role, previously held by Sussex Commissioner Katy Bourne, Lisa will work to improve the safety of transport around the country. She will be supported by her Deputy, Ellie Vesey-Thompson, and looks to work closely with the British Transport Police.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend and Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson standing in front of a Surrey Police car

Lisa said: “Keeping road users safe is already a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan. Surrey’s motorways are some of the most highly-used in Europe, and I am keenly aware of how important an issue this is to our residents.

“We are very lucky in Surrey to have two teams specifically dedicated to poor driving – the Roads Policing Unit and the Vanguard Road Safety Team, both of which aim to keep road users safe.

“But across the country, there is far more to be done on both roads and railways to keep British travellers safe.

“One of the most critical aspects of my remit will be dealing with distracted and dangerous driving, which is an appalling and unnecessary risk to take on any road.

“While most people are safe motorists, there are some who selfishly risk both their own lives and the lives of others. Members of the public have had enough of seeing those drivers flouting the laws created to protect them.

‘Appalling and unnecessary’

“There are many benefits to getting people out of their cars and onto bicycles instead, but not everyone feels safe using this mode of transport. Cyclists, as well as motorists, horse riders and pedestrians, have a responsibility to observe the Highway Code.

“In addition, e-scooters have become a blight in many communities around the country in recent years.

“According to recent Department for Transport data, collisions involving e-scooters in the UK almost tripled within just a year between 2020 and 2021.

“More must clearly be done to prevent harm to the public.”

Commissioner’s new role

Ellie said: “Pedestrians are the most vulnerable cohort to use Britain’s streets, and we are determined to do all we can to put an end to activities that threaten their safety.

“This remit will allow both Lisa and I to apply pressure to a range of issues, from a system that allows thousands of people to legally drive with more than 12 points on their licence, to the sex offenders who target their victims on London’s Tube network.

“Safe travel is important to every member of the public, and we are determined to make some real and lasting changes.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend sat at a desk with local police officer in a town hall

Commissioner and Deputy join residents at two meetings amid concerns over anti-social behaviour and speeding

Posted on | by Alex Winter

The Police and Crime Commissioner and her Deputy have been speaking to residents in south west Surrey this week about their concerns over anti-social behaviour and speeding.

Lisa Townsend visited Farnham for a meeting on Tuesday night, while Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson spoke with Haslemere residents on Wednesday evening.

During the first event, attendees spoke with Lisa and Sergeant Michael Knight about damage to 14 businesses and homes in the early hours of September 25 2022.

Those who attended the second event told of their worries about speeding drivers and shed break-ins.

The meetings were held just over a fortnight after Lisa was invited to a round table discussion on anti-social behaviour at No10. She was one of a number of experts who visited Downing Street last month after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has identified the issue as a key priority for his Government.

Lisa said: “Anti-social behaviour blights communities around the country and can cause misery to victims.

“It’s important that we look at the harm caused by such offences, because every victim is different.

“My advice to anyone affected by anti-social behaviour is to report it to the police using 101 or our online tools. It may be that officers aren’t always able to attend, but every report enables local officers to build an intelligence-based picture of trouble spots and change their patrol tactics accordingly.

“As always, in the event of an emergency, call 999.

“Much is already done in Surrey to support victims of this offence. My office commissions both Mediation Surrey’s Anti-Social Behaviour Support Service and the Cuckooing Service, the latter of which specifically helps those who have their homes taken over by criminals.

“In addition, residents who have reported anti-social behaviour three times or more in a six-month period, and feel that little action has been taken, can activate a community trigger. The trigger draws in a number of agencies, including my office, to work together to find a more permanent solution to the problem.

“I strongly believe that tackling this issue isn’t solely a police responsibility.

“The NHS, mental health services, youth workers and local authorities all have a part to play, particularly where incidents don’t cross the line into criminality.

“I don’t underestimate how difficult this is for those affected. Everyone has a right to feel safe, whether they’re out and about or at their home.

“I want all relevant organisations to work together in order to deal with the root causes of anti-social behaviour, as I believe it’s the only way to truly tackle the problem.”

‘Blights communities’

Ellie told residents in Haslemere that she will write to Surrey County Council regarding the concerns of residents to understand any measures they are currently looking to implement.

She said: “I understand residents’ fears over dangerous driving on their roads, and the safety concerns around speeding, both within Haslemere itself and on A roads on the outskirts, such as that to Godalming.

“Making Surrey’s roads safer is a key priority in our Police and Crime Plan, and our office will do all we can, working with Surrey Police, to help make residents safer and ensure they feel safer too.”

For more information on the community trigger programme, visit surrey-pcc.gov.uk/funding/community-trigger

Police and Commissioner Lisa Townsend with Surrey Police officers from the fatal five team standing between police cars on sunny day

Commissioner meets with new road safety team dedicated to tackling ‘Fatal 5’ drivers

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner has met with a brand new team dedicated to reducing serious and fatal crashes on the county’s roads.

Lisa Townsend has thrown her support behind the Vanguard Road Safety Team, which began patrolling in Surrey during the autumn of 2022.

Officers target motorists committing the ‘Fatal 5’ offences – inappropriate speed, not wearing a seat belt, driving under the influence of drink or drugs, distracted driving, including looking at a mobile phone, and careless driving.

Lisa said: “I’m so pleased the team is now operational.

“Anyone who drives in Surrey will know how busy the roads are. Our motorways are some of the most highly-used in the country, and that’s why I’ve made road safety a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan.

“Distracted and dangerous driving ruins lives, and we know all Fatal 5 offences are leading contributory factors in collisions. Each and every crash is preventable and behind every victim is a family, friends and a community.

“While most people are safe motorists, there are some who selfishly and willingly risk both their own lives and the lives of others.

“It’s great news that the Vanguard team will be proactively tackling these drivers.”

Lisa met with the new team at Surrey Police’s Mount Browne HQ in December. Vanguard has been fully-staffed since October, with two sergeants and 10 PCs serving across two teams.

Sergeant Trevor Hughes said: “We use a range of tactics and vehicles, but it’s not just about enforcement – we are looking to change drivers’ behaviour.

“We use of a mix of visible policing and unmarked vehicles to stop drivers from committing Fatal 5 offences.

“The aim is ultimately to reduce the number of serious and fatal collisions on Surrey’s roads. Motorists who drive dangerously should beware – we can’t be everywhere, but we could be anywhere.”

As well as patrolling, officers from the team also use the services of data researcher Chris Ward to crack down on the county’s worst drivers.

Sergeant Dan Pascoe, who previously worked on the Roads Policing Unit, leading investigations into serious injury and fatal collisions, said: “There’s a ripple effect with any serious or fatal collision – the impact for the victim, their family and friends, and then the impact for the offender and their loved ones too.

“It is always devastating and heart-wrenching to visit the families of victims in the hours after a fatal crash.

“I would urge every Surrey driver to make sure they’re always paying full attention when they’re behind the wheel. The consequences of even a momentary distraction can be unimaginable.”

In 2020, 28 people were killed and 571 were seriously injured on Surrey’s roads.

Between 2019 and 2021:

  • 648 people were killed or seriously injured by speed-related crashes on Surrey’s roads – 32 per cent of the total
  • 455 people were killed or seriously injured by crashes involving careless driving – 23 per cent
  • 71 people were killed or seriously injured by crashes where seat belts weren’t worn – 11 per cent
  • 192 people were killed or seriously injured in crashes involving drink-or drug-driving – 10 per cent
  • 90 people were killed or seriously injured in crashes involved distracted driving, for example motorists using their phones – four per cent

Commissioner hits out at “selfish” drink and drug drivers as campaign draws to a close

Posted on | by Alex Winter

More than 140 arrests were made in Surrey in just four weeks as part of Surrey Police’s annual drink and drug drive campaign.

The campaign is run by officers with the aim of protecting the public from the dangers of drink and drug driving over the festive period. This is run in addition to proactive patrols to tackle drink and drug drivers, which are carried out 365 days a year.

A total of 145 arrests on were made after stops by Surrey Police officers during the operation which ran from Thursday, 1 December to Sunday, 1 January inclusive.

Out of these, 136 arrests were made on suspicion of drink and drug driving. These included:

  • 52 arrests on suspicion of drink driving
  • 76 on suspicion of drug driving
  • Two for both offences
  • One on suspicion of being unfit due to drink or drugs
  • Five for failure to provide a specimen.

The remaining 9 arrests were for other offences such as:

  • Drug possession and supply offences
  • Theft of motor vehicle
  • Firearms offences
  • Failure to stop at the scene of a road traffic collision
  • Handling stolen goods
  • Stolen motor vehicle

During the same period Sussex Police made 233 arrests, 114 on suspicion of drink driving, 111 on suspicion of drug driving and eight for failure to provide.

Superintendent Rachel Glenton, from Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit, said: “Whilst most road users are conscientious and law-abiding citizens, there are several people who refuse to comply with the law. Not only is this putting their own lives at risk, but also other innocent people’s lives as well.

“A small amount of alcohol or drugs can massively impair your judgement and seriously increase the risk of you injuring or killing yourself or someone else on the roads.”

‘Never worth it’

Lisa Townsend, Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, said: “Far too many people still think it’s acceptable to drink or take drugs before getting behind the wheel.

“In being so selfish, they risk their own lives, as well as those of other road users.

“Surrey’s routes are particularly busy – they carry 60 per cent more traffic than the average UK road, and serious crashes are sadly not uncommon here. That’s why road safety is a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan.

“I will always support the police as they use the full force of the law to tackle reckless motorists who endanger others.

“Those who drive intoxicated can destroy families and ruin lives. It is never worth it.”

If you know someone who is driving whilst over the limit or after taking drugs, call 999.

Deputy Commissioner warns against drink and drug driving this Christmas as she joins night shift with traffic officers

Posted on | by Alex Winter

DEPUTY Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson has spoken out about the dangers of drink and drug driving this Christmas.

Ellie joined Surrey Police’s Roads Policing Unit for a late-night shift to highlight the risk of drinking alcohol or taking drugs before getting behind the wheel.

It comes after the Force launched a Christmas campaign to target intoxicated drivers. Until January 1, resources will be dedicated to preventing and detecting drink and drug-driving.

In December 2021 campaign, a total of 174 arrests were made on suspicion of drink and drug-driving by Surrey Police alone.

“Don’t be the reason that your loved ones, or the loved ones of another road user, have their lives turned upside down.”

Ellie said: “Surrey’s roads are very busy – they carry 60 per cent more traffic on average than other stretches around the country, and our motorways are some of the most highly-used in the UK. We also have a large number of rural roads which can pose other risks, particularly in bad weather conditions.

“That’s why ensuring safer Surrey roads is a key priority in the Police and Crime Plan.

“Serious crashes are sadly not uncommon in the county, and we know that anyone who drinks or takes drugs before driving are particularly dangerous on the roads.

“This is a crime that destroys lives, and we see far too much of it in Surrey.”

In the latest available figures from 2020, an estimated 6,480 people in the UK were killed or injured when at least one driver was over the drink-drive limit.

Ellie said: “This Christmas, make sure you have a safe way to get home from parties and events, either by booking a taxi, taking a train or relying on a designated driver.

“Drink and drug driving is incredibly selfish and needlessly risky. Don’t be the reason that your loved ones, or the loved ones of another road user, have their lives turned upside down.”

“You could be over the limit several hours after you’ve stopped drinking.”

Superintendent Rachel Glenton, from Surrey and Sussex Roads policing, said: “Most people are safe and conscientious motorists, but despite knowing the risks, there is still a small number of people who are not only willing risking their own lives but the lives of others.

“Remember even a small amount of alcohol or substances can massively impair your ability to drive safely and you could also be over the limit several hours after you’ve stopped drinking, so make sure you give it enough time before you drive. Drugs stay in your system far longer.

“If you are going out, look after yourself and friends, arrange alternative and safe ways home.”

Lisa Townsend speaking from podium to audience at performance of Safe Drive Stay Alive in Surrey

Commissioner announces new funding for Safe Drive Stay Alive during national Road Safety Week

Posted on | by James Smith

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner has announced a new wave of funding for a long-standing initiative aimed at keeping the county’s youngest drivers safe.

Lisa Townsend has committed to spending more than £100,000 on Safe Drive Stay Alive until 2025. She announced the news during charity Brake’s Road Safety Week, which began yesterday and continues until November 20.

Lisa recently attended the first live performance of Safe Drive Stay Alive at Dorking Halls in three years.

The performance, which has been viewed by more than 190,000 teens aged between 16 and 19 since 2005, highlights the dangers of drink- and drug-driving, speeding, and looking at a mobile phone while at the wheel.

Young audiences hear from frontline personnel serving with Surrey Police, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service and the South Central Ambulance Service, as well as those who have lost loved ones and drivers who have been involved in fatal road traffic collisions.

Newer drivers are at higher risk of injury and death on the roads. Safe Drive Stay Alive, which is coordinated by the fire service, is designed to reduce the number of collisions involving young motorists.

Lisa said: “My office has been supporting Safe Drive Stay Alive for more than 10 years. The initiative aims to save the lives of young drivers, as well as anyone they may come across on the roads, with a series of incredibly powerful performances.

“I witnessed the first live show, and I feel deeply moved by it.

“It’s absolutely crucial that the scheme can continue for many years to come, and ensuring safer roads in Surrey is one of the key priorities in my Police and Crime Plan. That’s why I’ve agreed to a £105,000 grant that will ensure teenagers are able to travel to Dorking Halls to see the performance for themselves.

“I’m really proud to be able to support something so important, and I believe Safe Drive Stay Alive will save many more lives in the future.”

Over the past 17 years, almost 300 Safe Drive Stay Alive performances have taken place. This year, 70 different schools, colleges, youth groups and Army recruits have attended in person for the first time since 2019. An estimated 28,000 young people watched the event online during Covid lockdowns.

Arial view of motorway

“Dangerous in the extreme and completely unacceptable” – Commissioner condemns latest protests on the M25 in Surrey

Posted on | by James Smith | Leave a Comment on “Dangerous in the extreme and completely unacceptable” – Commissioner condemns latest protests on the M25 in Surrey

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend has condemned the ‘reckless and dangerous’ actions of protesters who once again caused disruption on the M25 in Surrey this morning.

The Commissioner said the behaviour of Just Stop Oil protesters who scaled overhead gantries on the motorway put ordinary people’s lives at risk and were completely unacceptable.

Police were called this morning to four different locations on the Surrey stretch of the M25 and a number of arrests have been made. Similar protests were also seen in Essex, Hertfordshire and London.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Sadly once again we have seen people’s everyday lives being disrupted by the reckless actions of these protesters.

“No matter what the cause, climbing overhead gantries on the busiest motorway in the country during the Monday morning rush hour is dangerous in the extreme and totally unacceptable.

“These protesters not only put their own safety at risk but also those people who were using the motorway to go about their own business and those officers called out to deal them. You can only imagine what could have happened had someone fallen onto the carriageway.

“I am pleased to see the swift response by Surrey Police who were quickly on the scene to detain those involved. But yet again our precious police resources have had to be diverted to deal with these protesters and keep everyone safe.

“What we need to see now is those responsible put before the courts and given punishments that reflect the seriousness of their actions.

“I am a strong believer in peaceful and lawful protest but the vast majority of the public have had enough. The actions of this group are getting increasingly more dangerous and must be stopped before someone is seriously hurt.”