POLICE and fire officers stopped 14 motorists and cyclists during an undercover road safety operation in Crewe and Congleton.

Covert officers wearing body worn cameras mounted patrols along Nantwich Road and in Congleton at West Road and along the Clayton By-pass.

They stopped drivers, as well as cyclists, making their way along the routes who were putting each others safety at risk last Thursday (December 3).

None of those stopped were charged with any offences or issued with warnings, but the officers spent time educating them about the dangers of their behaviours.

In total, they stopped seven motorists and seven riders during the one-day operation.

A Cheshire Police spokesperson said: "Riders and drivers were stopped for offences and education, but no enforcement was handed out

"All of those who were stopped were extremely positive and engaged with police and fire officers as well as volunteers."

The safety initiative comes at a time of growing concern for the safety of cyclists in Crewe.

Police are still investigating the death of cyclist Agnieszka Pocztowska, who was killed in a hit-and-run collision on Hungerford Road in September.

Recently, one rider alleged on social media that an attempt was made to push him off his bike by a passenger leaning out of a passing car near to the Broughton Lane junction of Nantwich Road/Crewe Road.

Cheshire Police say he or she would need to fill in details of the incident on their web site so they can investigate.

ACTive Crewe Travel says there appears to be a growing disregard for cyclists by some motorists around the town and it welcomed the joint Cheshire Police and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service day of action.

Police and fire officers used close pass mats and other road safety aids to educate drivers and riders on how to stay safe during the day.

Cheshire Roads and Crime Unit Chief Inspector Rob Dickinson says there has been an increase in the number of reports of 'close passes' where the safety of cyclists has been put at risk.

Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane said: "Since the national lockdown, we have seen a big increase in the number of people who have taken up cycling and there has recently been a number of fatal collisions involving cyclists in Cheshire.

"One life lost on our roads is one too many. I want cyclists in Cheshire to feel safe on the roads and for drivers to have the right knowledge."