SPEEDING and road safety issues were top of the agenda when Cheshire's top police bosses answered residents' questions in Northwich last week.

In the second of a series of 'Question Time'-style events across Cheshire, Chief Constable Darren Martland and Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane met with residents in Church Road on Thursday, November 14.

Key concerns raised on the night included motorists breaking the speed limit on Northwich roads – particularly in 20mph zones – and jumping red lights.

The PCC and Ch Con assured those in attendance that tackling road safety issues is a key priority for Cheshire Police as the number of fatal road traffic collisions increases.

In 2018 alone, there were 46 deaths on Cheshire’s road – more than twice the number of the previous year.

Ch Con Martland told residents about a proactive campaign the force has introduced to raise awareness of the five driving behaviours which are most likely to cause fatal collisions, with speeding considering one of the Fatal 5.

Mr Keane also explained that through his initiative to put a dedicated PCSO in every community, the constabulary are carrying out 6,300 more hours of speed enforcement with PCSOs using hand-held portable devices to catch speeding motorists.

Mr Keane said: “It was great to see so many local residents with a real passion and dedication to making their communities safer give up their free time to attend this event.

“It was interesting to hear on a local level what the key policing issues are for people in Northwich and discuss how we make improvements to make their communities safer.

“With police resources more stretched than ever, it’s important that we talk to local people about their priorities for policing to ensure we are delivering the best possible service."

Ch Con Martland added: “We are committed to delivering a neighbourhood policing service and putting the priorities of local communities at the forefront of everything we do.

“Our officers and PCSOs forge strong relationships with our communities to ensure crime and anti-social behaviour is dealt with as quickly and as effectively as possible.

“We appreciate the feedback from local residents in the area and I would like to reassure residents that the problems raised at the events are being dealt with proactively by the local policing team.”