Police to issue thousands more riders with hi-vis vests

Thousands of motorcyclists could be stopped by police for not wearing high-visibility clothing as more forces adopt the policy.

Riders will be stopped and given lectures on “being seen” as well reflective vests to put on over their jackets or leathers.   

Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire are the latest areas to join Sussex in issuing the kit.

Nottinghamshire Police plans to hand out 3000 packs containing hi-vis vests. Riders are invited to collect them from police stations but will also be stopped and given them at the roadside.  

In Lincolnshire, motorcyclists can collect the kit but are not being stopped at the roadside, according to the force.

A spokesman for Nottinghamshire Police said: “We’re putting together high-visibility packs at the moment and will start to hand them out in March. They contain a high-visibility jacket or bib and rucksack, as well as leaflets which are designed for all road users but contain messages relevant to motorcyclists in respect of speed.”
The Motorcycle Action Group says the tactics are a step towards compulsory hi-vis clothing or reduced insurance pay-outs for riders in dark kit.

A spokesman for the group said: “We’re advising all riders stopped without obvious cause in order to deliver these lectures to make a stand by lodging formal complaints.

“We advise riders to use the web to contact local police forces by keying ‘police’ and the neighbourhood where you got stopped. If police time is tied up too much they may soon drop this tactic.”

Find more on complaining to each of the forces here:

• www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/contact/complaints
• www.sussex.police.uk/complaint.asp
• www.lincs.police.uk/Contact-Us/How-to-make-a-complaint

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