Wiltshire Police catch thousands of law-breaking drivers this summer
Wiltshire Police's campaign to make road safety a focus for the entire force came to an end today, September 6.
In August alone, the Roads Policing Unit (RPU) issued 612 notices for offences including speeding, mobile phone use and not wearing seatbelts. During the month, they’ve also made 68 arrests for drink or drug driving.
Over the whole summer period, there have been 2,788 notices for motoring offences issued by the RPU.
Unmarked police car deployed as part of Operation Busline. (Image: Wiltshire Police)
The campaign was launched following a high number of fatal and serious injury collisions on Wiltshire roads.
Acting inspector Will Ayres said: “News of any death on our roads is completely devastating especially for those closest to the person involved, but when you know the death could have been prevented it really is heart-breaking.
"We’ve spent the past month raising awareness amongst drivers of the fatal five offences and how important it is to give the road your full attention at all times."
Acting inspector Will Ayres. (Image: Wiltshire Police)
Most of the fatalities this year have occurred on the M4, A303, A338, A360, A3102 and A4.
Acting inspector Ayres added: "As roads policing officers, road safety is our number one priority every day of the year, but this month has seen us intensify our resources and clamp down on those drivers who fail to abide by the law.
"We know what it is like to have to deliver a death message to a family following a fatal collision, and we know how it can impact such a huge number of people, and that is why we feel so passionate about raising awareness about road safety, especially the fatal five offences."
These 'fatal five' offences contribute to serious collisions and include speeding, drink and drug driving, using a phone while driving, not wearing a seatbelt and careless and dangerous driving.
Road safety equipment. (Image: Wiltshire Police)
Police used a variety of tactics to identify offenders including using an unmarked HGV and unmarked mini bus.
“Although the campaign is over, we will continue with our work to improve road safety in Wiltshire and would urge all drivers to keep the fatal five offences in the forefront of their minds when driving," Acting inspector Ayres added.
See more: Councillors express doubt plans will solve Harnham Gyratory woes[2]
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “Nationally, we saw a record number of drivers appearing in court accused of speeding last year and road safety is an issue which is highlighted to me as I speak to residents across Wiltshire and Swindon.
“Campaigns like this, and the combined efforts of our specialist Roads Policing Unit, Community Speed Enforcement Officers and Community Speed Watch teams, are important to show that we will robustly target those drivers who fail to abide by the rules on our roads."
References
- ^ Court roundup: 8 Salisbury people sentenced for criminal offences (www.salisburyjournal.co.uk)
- ^ Councillors express doubt plans will solve Harnham Gyratory woes (www.salisburyjournal.co.uk)