Commuters from Essex and East London who travel to the City on motorbikes and scooters are being encouraged to attend road safety training.

Police are aiming to reduce the number of collisions on the A11 and A13 by providing one to one training with a police motorcyclist and the opportunity to sign up for further safety lessons.

These will be offered at a discounted rate or even free for some bike users.

The programme, known as Operation Currus, is being run in conjunction with a number of parties, including road safety organisations, local authorities and Transport for London.

In addition to the supervised rides, bikers will be given the opportunity to sit inside a HGV to demonstrate how easy it is for motorbikes not to be seen if they are in a poor position on the road.

Mechanics will also be on hand to teach riders about how to check their vehicles properly.

PC Tony Farrelly-Smith, of the Road Policing Unit, is organising the event which will see police officers stop riders on their journey home and encourage them to visit the site at Anchor Retail Park, Mile End Road.

He said: “During rush hour it is just crowded roads. Any training will allow bikers to be more aware of dangers.”

PC Farrelly-Smith hopes to attract around 150 bikers and that the day will lead to more people commuting on motorbikes and scooters.

He added: “The plan is by training more people they will speak to their friends and family to encourage more of them to use bikes.”

He wants the session, which will take place on Wednesday 20 November between 4pm and 7.30pm, to be focused on the training and education of bikers rather than just enforcement.

He feels that a lot of bikers, especially those who passed their test many years ago, would benefit from a refresher of bike safety and maintenance skills.

If it proves to be a success, then other multi-agency surgeries promoting safer riding may be held in the future.