MOTORCYCLISTS have been urged to be wary on the roads following a startling number of fatalities so far this year.

An operation aimed at promoting rider and driver safety on the roads of north Wales will continue this weekend.

Operation Darwen – an annual campaign which runs from early spring through until the autumn, involves specialised units patrolling and talking to drivers and riders at popular meeting spots.

Superintendent Jane Banham from the force’s Operational Support Services Unit said: “Tragically so far in 2018, we have already seen several fatal and serious collisions on the roads of north Wales.

During 2017 there were eight fatal collisions involving motorcycles and so far in 2018 we have had eight – yet we are only in June.

“Reducing casualties on our roads remains one of our top priorities. We want people to enjoy coming to north Wales travelling on some great roads and enjoying the beautiful scenery, but most of all we want them to ride and drive safely and responsibly. Consideration need to be given to all road users, including drivers, riders, cyclists, walkers and more. The minority who use our roads as race tracks or ignore vehicle legislation are not welcome.

“All motorists must be aware that we are doing all we can to ensure our roads are used safely by all, with our dedicated Roads Policing Units taking robust action to prevent fatal or serious road traffic collisions.”

Operation Darwen patrols also includes looking at all vehicles and ensuring they are roadworthy and legal. Last weekend, a member of the Special Constabulary Road Safety Team, who is also a qualified mechanic with the North Wales Police Fleet Department carried out checks on a motorcycle and discovered it had defective rear brakes.

The right hand brake pad had completely worn out and was metal on metal. The left hand rear brake pad had actually broken away from its backing plate and was ready to fall out. This would have resulted in total rear brake failure.

Supt Banham added: “It doesn’t bear thinking about what would have happened had this been involved in a collision. The vehicle was issued with an PG9 roadworthiness prohibition notice and the rider was reported for the offence of driving a vehicle with defective brakes.”