is based upon the Government’s ‘Respect Agenda’ which seeks to rid communities of all anti-social behaviour. Unfortunately such behaviour is not just confined to the side-streets and back-alleys of our communities. It is also very evident on the region’s roads where the potential for serious injury and death is so much greater. Motorists interact with hundreds of other road users every day and as we see far too often in the media – a lack of respect for the road itself and other users can have tragic consequences.

on the roads can be the difference between an accident and a serious crime. A lack of respect for other road users can typically be defined by a wide range of behaviour, including:

• Speeding
• Using a mobile phone while driving
• Obscene gestures
• Aggressive driving
• Undertaking, or overtaking inappropriately
• Not being in full control of your vehicle
• Following too closely behind another vehicle
• Not paying attention to the road
• Driving a vehicle that is unroadworthy
• Reckless driving

All of the above can be described as disrespectful and whilst using your hand held mobile phone whilst driving may seem harmless – there have been numerous cases where such actions have resulted in deaths and in the user of the mobile phone going to prison. You can see evidence of this in our disrespectful driving section, where the case studies and images show just how dangerous some drivers can be – and the consequences of their actions. It is our responsibility to show respect when out on the roads. The majority of motorists are respectful and law-abiding. However, for some road users enforcement is the only way to highlight their disrespectful behaviour.