Wiltshire Cops Crack Down with 140+ Traffic Offences in 12 Hours
More than 140 road offences were caught in just half a day as Wiltshire’s Roads Policing Unit launched a major crackdown. About 20 officers targeted law-breaking drivers across the county, handing out fines and court reports left, right and centre.
Shocking Offences Include Dangerous Loads & Mobile Phone Use
- Children dangerously carried in vehicles
- Drivers ignoring seat belt laws
- Unsafe vehicle loads risking injury
- Mobile phone use behind the wheel
A man in his 40s was arrested in Swindon on suspicion of drug driving. Meanwhile, an elderly driver involved in a minor crash in Chippenham was taken to hospital for checks.
There was also a collision outside a school in Calne, multiple careless driving cases, and numerous speeding violations tackled across Wiltshire.
Sgt Will Ayres Sounds Warning Over Dangerous Driving
“Dealing with over 140 offences in 12 hours is a massive effort. We want to send a clear message: poor driving won’t be tolerated,” said Sgt Will Ayres, head of the operation.
“Five drivers were caught using a mobile phone on the M4 alone, with 26 more incidents across the county. These distractions too often lead to serious crashes. We hear excuses like ‘just replying to a friend’ or ‘responding to work emails’—but none of that is worth risking lives.”
“One shocking case: a Swindon driver had large pieces of wood stacked dangerously over a newborn baby in the back seat. It’s terrifying to think what might’ve happened in an accident.”
Speed Checks, Community Patrols & High-Profile Support
Ten drivers were reported for speeding during roadside checks, including operations in Bradenstoke where heavy goods vehicles have been causing issues after local road closures.
Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson joined the action. He emphasised the vital role of targeted policing to boost road safety.
“Road safety is a top priority. This operation shows how seriously we take it. We’ve invested in extra officers and vehicles to keep Wiltshire’s roads safer for everyone,” Wilkinson said.
Operation Tramline: National Highways Team Up
The day’s crackdown also featured Operation Tramline, a joint effort with National Highways and National Roads Policing Intelligence. An unmarked HGV patrolled the M4 from Bath to Swindon.
- 3 drivers caught speeding
- 5 reported for mobile phone use
- 5 caught not wearing seat belts
- Other offences: careless driving, insufficient view, lane three misuse
Beverley Hannah, National Highways’ South West Safety Co-ordinator, added:
“Most drivers are responsible, but some recklessly ignore the law. These covert HGV patrols help us catch offenders and make our roads safer for everyone.”
Stay Updated
Follow all the action on @WiltsSpecOps or search the hashtag #12HoursOnWiltshiresRoads.
