More than 30 people died on Bay of Plenty roads last year, and Bay of Plenty Road Policing Manager Inspector Logan Marsh doesn’t want see any more deaths on our roads as we get into summer.

When it comes to speeding, road policing officers have heard all the excuses from stuck jandals to stressed out dogs.

“Our staff hear the same old reasons day after day but none of them are ever relevant,” says Logan.

“Every opportunity you take to reduce your speed, even by a fraction, has the potential to make a huge difference to safety on our roads for everybody.”

Logan says he and his team see the devastating effects that crashes have on families and communities.

“I think the overwhelming thoughts of our staff when they attend these often catastrophic scenes is that it didn’t need to happen. This is probably closely followed by a feeling of dread as it certainly doesn’t get any easier the more our staff attend.”

So what does Logan think it would it take for people to stop speeding?

“What would most certainly help is people realising that the speed limit is exactly that – the limit; and they can expect to be stopped if they exceed those limits.”

 Logan says even when drivers are not at fault, speed remains the single biggest factor in whether the driver and their passengers walk away, or are carried away.

“Police will continue to do everything we can to keep people safe on the roads but we need the public’s help to achieve this.

“We want to emphasise to all road users traveling anywhere, that anyone who risks the safety of themselves and others can expect Police will follow through with the appropriate enforcement action. Our focus is to make it a safe and enjoyable break.”