POLICE are hoping to put the breaks on the number of motorcyclists killed along the A38.

This summer Operation Take Care will target speeders between North Petherton, through Taunton town centre, and Wellington.

And in the first round of spot checks all riders using the section of road - daubed a motorcycle collision 'hot route' - will be given safety advice and warned of the possible dangers of careless riding.

A total of 20 motorcyclists died on Somerset's roads last year.

Road Policing Unit (RPU) figures show those aged 15 to 19 and 35 to 44 are most likely to be killed or seriously injured in a motorcycle collision on Avon and Somerset's roads. A quarter of all collisions resulting in serious injury involve motorcycles, they claim.

RPU CI Polly King said: “All road users need to take responsibility for their driving - killing themselves or someone else will put many local people through a great deal of pain, and it can be prevented."

“If you are the wife, mother or friend of anyone who fits into this category, we would ask you to do your part too and make your concerns heard before they embark on a journey.

RPU Insp Mike Parr added: “This is a significant figure and one that we are working hard to address.”

The RPU will also be working with partner agencies, including Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, to deliver Project Kickstart - a hands-on educational package aimed at teenage drivers.

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