Unmarked police motorcycles set to patrol Welsh roads

Motorcyclists heading to Wales over the next four weeks should be on the lookout for unmarked police motorcycles, after the four police forces in the country launched a month-long safety campaign to cut the number of bikers killed on Welsh roads on Sunday.

The All Wales Motorcycle Campaign would see the forces use unmarked camera bikes and cars, and helicopters, to catch speeding bikers, in addition to activities using marked vehicles.

The quartet of forces say the move is necessary after the number of motorcyclists killed on Welsh roads hit 43 in 2007, the highest level since 1984.

Other measures planned for the campaign include the promotion of the Bikesafe scheme, and the launch of a motorcycling-focussed website offering riding tips and suggestions on the best routes to ride.

John Pavett, chief inspector of Gwent Police, says motorcyclists are attracted to Wales in their droves by low traffic levels and good biking roads.

“This high volume of motorcyclists using Welsh roads increases the possibility of poor riding standards, and subsequently the number of injury road traffic collisions.”