Kent Police will be focussing on protecting some of the most vulnerable road users in the county this bank holiday weekend as hundreds of motorcyclists are expected to travel through the county.

The annual May Day bank holiday ride takes place on Monday 6 May 2024, with riders travelling along the A21 through west Kent to Hastings in Sussex.

Extra patrols from the Roads Policing Unit will be joined by National Highways officers and the Camera Safety Team ensuring road users stay safe.

Officers will also be speaking to motorists to remind them of their responsibilities in ensuring all road users are kept safe on the roads. They will also take action against those who are seen to be putting people at risk.

The operation will see forces from Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Thames Valley and Hampshire working together as part of Project Apex, engaging with riders at busy gathering points on the roads such as popular cafes and rest stops. The new campaign aims to equip motorcyclists to enjoy their holiday rides and get back to their garage safely.

Sergeant Grant Steele from the Roads Policing Unit said: ‘Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to being seriously injured in the event of a collision, and we are therefore committed to doing everything we can to educate them about the importance of safe riding whilst also taking action against other road users who may put them at additional risk by, for example, speeding or using a mobile device at the wheel.

‘This operation, with our police partners, provides the opportunity to remind all road users on how to behave and act responsibly on our roads through engagement and enforcement to ensure that all riders have a safe and enjoyable journey.’

Previously during the Easter weekend the neighbouring forces worked together in order to promote safer riding to motorcyclists across the South East region by directing them towards a new ‘Ride Craft Hub’ online.

The hub is a new website that contains content from professional riders that is aimed at helping motorcyclists reduce the risk of harm to them on the road.

More information can be found here – www.ridecrafthub.org