Wiltshire Police’s Roads Policing Unit recorded more than 140 road offences during a 12-hour enforcement operation across the county. Around 20 officers conducted targeted patrols, issuing fines and court reports to drivers breaking the law.
The crackdown focused on several key issues including mobile phone use while driving, dangerous vehicle loads, children being carried unsafely in vehicles, seatbelt violations, and careless driving.
In Swindon, a man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of drug driving. Elsewhere, an elderly driver was taken for hospital checks following a minor collision in Chippenham. Officers also addressed careless driving near a school in Calne and enforced speed limits throughout Wiltshire.
Sgt Will Ayres, who led the operation, commented: “Over 140 offences in 12 hours is impressive work. We reported five drivers for mobile phone use on the M4 and tackled 26 more elsewhere. Using a phone behind the wheel causes horrific crashes. We often have to break dreadful news to families – it’s avoidable and heartbreaking.”
He added, “One horrendous case in Swindon involved a driver carrying large wood pieces piled over a newborn baby in the back seat. Imagine the disaster if there was a crash or emergency manoeuvre.”
“Driving daily can breed complacency, but you must give the road your full attention every second you’re behind the wheel.”
Speed enforcement was also a priority, with Community Speedwatch officers reporting 10 speeding violations. Residents in Bradenstoke raised concerns about heavy goods vehicles following the closure of Lyneham Banks due to storm damage earlier this year. Police responded with reassurance visits and vehicle inspections.
Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “This shows Wiltshire Police will robustly tackle bad driving. Road safety tops my priorities after listening to community concerns. We’ve boosted officer numbers and vehicles to keep Wiltshire’s roads safe.”
Part of the day’s activity included Operation Tramline, a joint effort between National Highways and National Roads Policing Operations. An unmarked heavy goods vehicle patrolled the M4 between Bath and Swindon, catching three speeders, five drivers using mobile phones, five seatbelt offenders, and issuing reports for careless driving and dangerous lane use.
Beverley Hannah, National Highways South West Safety Coordinator, said: “Most drivers obey the law, but a few risk lives. Our partnership policing and undercover HGV patrols target unsafe driving and help make roads safer for everyone.”
Follow the ongoing action on Twitter @WiltsSpecOps or search the hashtag #12HoursOnWiltshiresRoads.
Originally published by UKNIP.
