Southampton Road: Driver caught at 86mph in 40mph zone
Officers were carrying out a pre-planned operation to target vehicle-related anti-social behaviour in the Fareham[1] and Winchester districts.
Police neighbourhood teams in Fareham West and Winchester[2] received several complaints regarding speeders and anti-social behaviour associated with car meets which they say is having a “detrimental impact” on the quality of life of residents.
Last Friday and Saturday evening, the teams joined forces with officers from the Roads Policing Unit, Safer Roads Unit and police drone operators to crack down on this type of behaviour.
Officers focused on the Whiteley, Segensworth, Titchfield, Warsash and Park Gate areas.
It resulted in 66 cars being caught for speeding on Southampton[3] Road in Titchfield - with the highest recorded speed of the night was a motorist driving at 86mph in a 40mph zone.
One vehicle was seized for having no insurance while a driver was arrested and charged with drinkdriving in the early hours of Saturday morning.
George Toal, 23, of Crispin Close in Locks Heath, was charged with drink-driving on Warsash Road. He was bailed to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court on 26 February.
A number of other drivers were issued tickets for various traffic offences as well as advice offered.
Three Section 59 Police Reform Act warnings were issued – this gives police powers to order a driver to stop, or seize cars if motorists are driving in an inconsiderate or careless manner.
Inspector Rob Kearley said: “The majority of car enthusiasts want to meet because they are passionate about their hobby, however, the community has raised concerns to us repeatedly about a minority of motorists involved in anti-social behaviour and dangerous driving.
“We have identified hotspot locations for this type of activity and will continue to take proactive action to reduce any risk to other motorists and members of the public and to reduce disruption[4] to local people.
“As we have said before, and will continue to say, we are determined to deliver exceptional local policing for you, by relentlessly pursuing criminals and putting you - our victims - first.
“We again appeal to you to keep reporting information to us, and thank the local community for their assistance as we deal with these matters.”
References
- ^ Fareham (www.dailyecho.co.uk)
- ^ Winchester (www.dailyecho.co.uk)
- ^ Southampton (www.dailyecho.co.uk)
- ^ disruption (www.dailyecho.co.uk)