Road safety officers carry out operation in a Harborough district village after residents raised concerns about dangerous driving

Leicestershire Police Specials Safer Roads Team have carried out a road safety operation in a Harborough village.

Officers went into Hallaton, near Market Harborough, after villagers raised concerns about dangerous driving.

Police are calling on motorists to be more considerate around vulnerable road users such as walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

Officers are urging drivers to pass by them “wide and slow”.

Motorists are being encouraged to allow other road users 1.5 metres (5ft).

Stuart Mottershaw, Leicestershire Police Special Inspector, said: “Our operation was supported by the British Horse Society.

“And between us we spoke to a number of horse riders and cyclists along with distributing Share the Road merchandise and safety advice.

“We were well received by the local community and thanked for addressing their road safety concerns.”

The police team then went to the popular Café Ventoux in Tugby on the main A47 to engage with and talk to passing cyclists.

Share the Road signs are being affixed at various roadside locations in Harborough district.

And further ‘Close Pass’ operations are planned across the Leicestershire Police force area.

Police advice to road users is:

- Ramblers and runners - Always face oncoming traffic so that you can see what is coming towards you

- Cyclists - Make your intentions clear and signal to other road users when you intend to turn, giving plenty of notice before manoeuvring

- Horse riders - Be seen, be safe. If you are riding in the dark make sure you are wearing reflective equipment

- Car drivers - Pass cyclists, horse riders, runners, wide and slow. The recommended distance is 1.5 metres (5ft)

- Lorry drivers – Use caution when over-taking

- Outside schools - Zig zags are there to allow an unrestricted view for drivers and pupils crossing the road, please abide by them

- Tractors - Inevitably slow moving vehicles will cause a tailback on public roads. It is important for the driver to pull over when appropriate to do so, to allow traffic to pass at the earliest opportunity

- Buses - Keep yourself and other road users safe by keeping a safe separation distance between you and the vehicle in front. This will allow you to stop in time if the vehicle in front stops suddenly

- Motorbikes - Read the road ahead and look for particular clues as to how the road will bend. For example, look at the tree line, the path of telegraph poles and hedges or buildings at the side of the road.