Wiltshire Cops Crack Down with 140+ Road Offences in 12 Hours
Wiltshire’s Roads Policing Unit smashed more than 140 offences in just half a day during a fierce day of action. Around 20 officers swooped on drivers flouting the rules across the county, hitting them with fines and court reports.
Mobile Phone Mayhem & Dangerous Loads
- Children dangerously carried in vehicles
- Seatbelt dodgers
- Unsafe vehicle loads risking injury
- Drivers caught using mobiles at the wheel
A man in his 40s was arrested in Swindon for suspected drug driving. Meanwhile, an elderly driver ended up needing hospital checks after a minor crash in Chippenham. Officers also tackled careless driving near a Calne school and stamped out speeding all over Wiltshire.
Shocking Loads Endangering Babies and More
Sgt Will Ayres, who led the crackdown, said: “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.”
“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.”
Speeding and Heavy Goods Vehicles Under Scrutiny
Speed checks with Community Speedwatch officers led to 10 speeding violations being reported. Heavy goods vehicles rattled residents in Bradenstoke after the Lyneham Banks closure due to storm damage earlier this year. Officers responded with reassurance and vehicle inspections.
Wiltshire PCC Philip Wilkinson joined forces with officers, saying: “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.”
Operation Tramline Spots Speedsters on M4
Part of the day included Operation Tramline – a joint effort between National Highways and National Roads Policing Operations. An unmarked HGV patrolled the M4 between Bath and Swindon, nabbing three speedsters, five phone users, five seatbelt offenders, plus 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 action on Twitter @WiltsSpecOps or search the hashtag #12HoursOnWiltshiresRoads.
