Cumbria Police are starting a new initiative to keep people safe on our roads.

They will be educating drivers and protecting vulnerable road users as part of the National Police Chief Council Campaign (NPCCC).

Officers will begin carrying out operational activity between Monday the 13th and Friday the 19th September.

PC Gregory Howard, Cumbria Constabulary’s Collision Investigation Unit, said: "We all have a responsibility to take care of pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists or horse riders who are more at risk of being injured.

"There are simple measures we can all take to ensure that all road users are safe, be patient, slow down, give space and always expect the unexpected.

"Those vulnerable must also consider their own safety and making sure they are wearing the right equipment.

The police explain that vulnerable road users are those on our roads who have less protection if involved in a collision and are therefore at higher risk.

The officers will target school parking areas and areas often used by bikes and motorcycles.

They will use their authority to clamp down on those who are putting themselves or other road users at risk.

PC Howard added: "All road users have a responsibility to keep themselves and others safe.

"They are named the fatal four for a reason and it upon us all to help reduce the tragic consequences that can happen."

Officers will also be supporting Project EDWARD (Every Day Without A Road Death) which is an international initiative that runs the same week.

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, said: "Dangerous driving is a serious and selfish act as the driver not only places their own lives at risk but the lives of innocent passengers, pedestrians and other road users.

"Cumbria is a rural county and many of our roads have bends and twists that we cannot see past.

"It is essential that we drive cautiously as we never know what is up ahead."

For more information on Project EDWARD visit their website.