Saturday 27 May 2023

POLICE used an unmarked lorry to monitor the region’s roads during a four-day operation mounted by the Humberside Force to identify lorry drivers committing road-related offences. A total of 59 offences were dealt with – 35 for drivers not wearing seatbelts, nine for insecure loads and five who were found to be using their mobile phones.

Humberside Police Inspector John Rickells told us: “Nationally there has been an increase in the past three years of commercial vehicles being involved in fatal collisions. And commercial vehicles carry a significant risk of harm when the driver is not in proper control. Those driving whilst using a mobile phone, failing to comply with EU Driving Hours, or not wearing a seatbelt are an increased risk,” he said.

MEANWHILE, in a separate operation, around 800 knives have been taken off the streets during Operation Sceptre, which saw dump bins at a number of police stations in the Force area, including Beverley. In addition to the knife surrender, 26 stop and searches were carried out during the week with a total of 25 people arrested. Over 300 shops were also visited and spoken to about the sale of knives and more than 40 schools visited to give educational talks.

THE NEW Mayor of Beverley, Cllr Tom Astell, has announced his civic charities for the year – Kicks Count, which aims to reduce the UK’s high stillbirth and neonatal death rate by raising awareness of baby movements and encouraging mums to report any change in movement immediately. It is estimated that by doing so a third of stillbirths could be prevented.

Cllr Astell’s second charity is Lollipop, which offers children and young people who are educated and/or reside in the East Riding, social and emotional support around sexuality and gender identity, through early intervention.

Cllr Astell has also announced that his Mayoress for the year will be his good friend Abbey Lister (see photograph).