THE number of motorcycle deaths in the area has fallen dramatically after a police crackdown at accident blackspots.
Among the roads being targeted by Hampshire's roads policing unit is the notorious A272 in East Hampshire.
And the hard work is paying off. In the first eight months of this year, nine riders died in collisions on the roads of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight - compared to 18 during the same period in 2003.
But the Bikesafe co-ordinator for the area was adamant this week that nine deaths is still nine too many.
Pc Mick Gear said: "There has been a remarkable drop in the number of motorcyclists that have been killed on roads across the two counties so far this year, and we are pleased that our efforts appear to be working. The roads policing unit and its partner agencies are committed to continuing to drive these figures down. What we must not do now is become complacent."
Pc Gear added: "Nine people have still died in motorcycle collisions this year and that is nine too many."
Hampshire Police's roads policing unit have ploughed significant resources into reducing the number of motorcycle casualties following the dramatic rise in last year's figures.
Since April high visibility patrols have been in force at weekends along priority routes including the A272, A339, and the A32, centring on the West Meon area, in an attempt to encourage people to take more care when they use the roads.
Pc Gear said: "Motor- cyclists are more vulnerable than other road users and we will continue to work hard to educate riders of the need to improve their skills and ride sensibly, within their capability and within the law.
"Anyone who rides dangerously, inappropriately or at excessive speed will be dealt with in the appropriate manner."