A national month-long road safety initiative launches tomorrow (Wednesday 1 July) as officers tackle fatal four offences across the country.
Led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council, roads policing teams nationwide will be working to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured by those who choose to commit these incredibly dangerous offences.
This campaign will target those drivers who are:
Speeding
Using a mobile phone
Failing to wear a seatbelt
Drink and drug driving.
Summer months bring increased traffic to Suffolk, including visitors who may be unfamiliar with local roads.
The message is simple slow down. A small change can make a big difference. Slowing down gives more time for a driver to react and can help prevent serious crashes.
Drivers are also advised to:
Look out for changes in the road ahead
Expect hazards around bends
Not rely fully on Sat Nav
Locally, for the first two weeks of July, there will be a speed intensification under Operation Lifesaver.
In 2025, almost half of all fatal collisions in Suffolk (47%) had speed recorded as a road safety factor. Even small increases in speed make a critical difference.
Operation Lifesaver is a targeted road safety campaign aimed at reducing deaths and serious injuries caused by speeding and dangerous driving. The initiative, originally developed by the Police Service of Northern Ireland, focuses on combining visible enforcement with strong public messaging during high-risk periods.
The operation will see an increased policing presence across both counties, with officers carrying out coordinated enforcement and engagement activity.
With so many fixtures and opportunities for a night out during the world cup this month, Suffolk Police will be on hand at fan zones and popular venues, throughout the tournament, to ensure that those travelling home are doing so safely. Those heading home after a match or driving to work the next morning are being reminded there is no safe drink or drug drive limit.
Tim Passmore, Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Operation Lifesaver aims at to reduce deaths and serious injuries caused by speeding and dangerous driving, which is a particularly important initiative in a county such as ours with so many rural roads, which are statistically more dangerous.
“The Constabulary’s advice is pretty obvious but sadly it is not heeded by everyone. I know I have said it before, but the best way to improve safety on our roads is for every driver to remember the fatal four and put your phone out of reach, belt up, watch your speed and don’t drink or take drugs if you are going to drive, that shouldn’t be so difficult and it really will make our roads safer for everyone.”
Chief Inspector Gary Miller, of the joint Roads and Armed Police Team, said: “Whilst this campaign provides us with the opportunity to focus on all of the ‘Fatal Four’ offences, we will be dedicating time and resources to speeding specifically.
“Speeding has devastating consequences and remains one of the main factors in the most serious collisions we attend.
“Too often, drivers underestimate the risks or believe it won’t happen to them. But it only takes a moment for things to go wrong, and excessive speed can be unforgiving. Do not be selfish and do not put yourself at risk.
“This operation is about visibility, enforcement and education. We’re asking drivers to take responsibility — slow down, stay within the limit and help keep everyone safe this summer.”