North Yorkshire road victims memorial service

North Yorkshire road victims memorial service

Lives remembered at North Yorkshire road victims memorial service 

Families, friends and emergency service personnel gathered at Ripon Cathedral this afternoon to remember those who have lost their lives or suffered serious injuries on North Yorkshire's roads.

The annual Oakleaf Service of Remembrance provides an opportunity for loved ones to come together and honour the memory of sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, grandparents, grandchildren, husbands, wives, partners, siblings and friends whose lives have been affected by road traffic collisions.

During the service, messages written b

y family members and friends were placed on oak leaves and brought forward in tribute to those who are no longer with us. Assistant Chief Constable Ben Moseley delivered a reading on behalf of North Yorkshire Police.

The service serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact that road traffic collisions have on families, communities and emergency responders. Police officers, firefighters and ambulance crews are often the first to arrive at the scene of serious collisions and witness first-hand the devastating consequences these incidents can have.

As a mark of respect, representatives from all three emergency services attended the service. Road safety remains a priority for North Yorkshire Police. Officers continue to work alongside partner organisations throughout the year to educate road users, enforce the law and prevent serious and fatal collisions on North Yorkshire's roads.

Today's service was an opportunity to reflect on lives lost, support those left behind and reinforce the shared commitment of all emergency services to reducing the number of people harmed on the county's roads.

We remain committed to doing everything possible to prevent other families experiencing the heartbreak and loss remembered at today's service.

Assistant Chief Constable Ben Moseley, of North Yorkshire Police, said: "Today is about remembrance, reflection and support for those whose lives have been changed forever by road traffic collisions.

"Behind every collision statistic is a person, a family and a community coping with loss, injury and heartbreak. The Oakleaf Service provides an important opportunity to remember those who have died, support those left behind and recognise the impact these incidents continue to have long after the emergency services have left the scene.

"Road safety remains one of our key priorities. Every day, our officers witness the devastating consequences of collisions on North Yorkshire's roads, and we remain committed to working with our partners and communities to prevent further tragedies and save lives.

"As we remember those affected today, I would encourage all road users to consider the part they play in keeping themselves and others safe. Through responsible decisions behind the wheel, on a motorcycle or on a bicycle, we can all help prevent more families from experiencing the loss and grief that brings people together at this service each year."