A REGION-WIDE road safety campaign has been launched to mark the beginning of summer.

Officers from three police forces joined with firefighters and council safety officers for to promote the 95 Alive partnership at Scotch Corner, North Yorkshire, today.

The scheme has been running in North Yorkshire for several years.

Yesterday’s event was the first time that officers from the Durham and Northumbria forces had joined in with the campaign.

Officers from the three forces, along with colleagues from West and South Yorkshire, took part in patrols on the A1 and other busy routes, spreading the road safety message to drives.

The high-profile event was timed to co-incide with the start of the half-term Whit holidays, this weekend.

Sergeant Andrew Stow, of North Yorkshire Police, said: "I would encourage all road users to ensure that their vehicles are correctly prepared for the journey and to ensure they take regular breaks to combat the effects of fatigue.

"Those drivers who choose to drive irresponsibly will be fairly but firmly dealt with."

The Seatbelt Sheriff was on hand to encourage children to make sure their parents are using the roads safely.

Chris Anderson, chairman of 95 Alive and North Yorkshire’s deputy chief fire officer, said: "This is a massive undertaking.

"For the first time, North Yorkshire is joining with neighbouring areas including Durham and Northumbria.

"Ultimately, the aim of these days is to reduce road deaths and casualties."

Another action day is planned for July 18 - the start of the summer school holidays in England.