I live in Wrexham and do a lot of riding in an 80 mile radius, mostly in North Wales. Operation Darwen was launched at Easter which is aimed at reducing motorcycle related deaths and serious injuries on North Wales roads. Since last year, when there were several deaths on the,A5104 Llandegla to Corwen road alone, many local roads, including the A5104 have had their speed limits reduced, in this case from 60 to 50 mph. I come across detector vans on a regular basis, as follows.
A525 Wrexham to Llandegla. Van in Coedpoeth High Street, Van on the straight after the Moors Inn, Bwlchgwyn in the 50 mph section, van on the bend by the fishery at the end of this straight, 60mph, van in layby after the mountain bike centre turn off, 60mph.
A5104 Llandegla to Corwen. Van on Bryneglwys straight, 50mph.
A494 Druid to Bala. van in layby just before Glan Yr Afon. He was there today when I was coming from Bala.
Bala High Street. Van outside ambulance station, 30mph.
A4212, Bala to Trawsfynydd. Van at top of hill as you leave Bala, 30mph.
A4212 at turn off for Ffestiniog, van on grass verge, 60mph.
I could go on and on but this gives you an idea, and these are within 35 miles of home.
Operation Darwen has certainly intensified the scrutiny of motorcyclists so please take care if you are coming here.