The shift from cars parked up on the roadside, during the Covid-19 lockdown to travelling, in increasing numbers, on the Isle of Wight's roads, has led to a two-day road safety initiative by Hampshire Constabulary.

Specialist police officers were on the Island on Friday and are here again today (Saturday).

Led by Sergeant Scott Kerr, they're focusing on what they are calling the fatal four - speed, distractions, seat belts and impairment.

Speaking to the County Press, Sgt Kerr said: "Because the restrictions are being lifted, more people are moving about.

"The main drive for the initiative is about trying to educate motorists - bringing road safety back to the forefront of people's minds."

Sgt Kerr says that while pedestrians have been used to quieter roads, those behind the wheel may not be used to the dangers of driving.

He is leading a team of three, joined by Isle of Wight police officers.

He said: "We're going to different locations on the Island - where collisions have happened previously, or where we know there are problems with speed.

"We're also going to try and do some education in the main shopping areas.

"There will be some enforcement, for speeding, or other offences."

Sgt Kerr said he wants Isle of Wight drivers to keep speed at an appropriate level - not just keeping to the speed limit, but driving to the limitations of the road, factoring in the amount of traffic, and the weather.

He said: "Distractions are a big thing — mobile phones, laptops, sat nav systems.

"Your sole attention should be on driving.

"Seat belts is another issue.

"You need to make sure they are belted appropriately.

"When it comes to children, we get a lot of instances where they're either the wrong type of seat, or they're not secured properly.

Finally, there is the issue of drugs and alcohol.

Sgt Kerr said: "Anything that's going to impair your driving, including driving while tired, could be fatal.

"Fatigue is a massive thing.

"We get people working long hours, who might have been more sedentary before.

"We understand no one is going to get the perfect drive every day, but we say to people, "would you do that in your driving test?"