Wiltshire Police Crack Down on Lockdown Road Lawbreakers
Wiltshire roads have seen a massive police crackdown during lockdown, with 136 suspected drivers arrested in just six weeks. The haul includes 88 drug-driving and 84 drink-driving suspects, plus 20 caught driving while disqualified.
Licence Checks and Mobile Phone Busts on the Rise
In the past fortnight alone, cops stopped 39 drivers suspected of driving without a proper licence. Over six weeks, that number hit 81. Mobile phone use behind the wheel was a major target, with 41 offenders caught – that’s a quarter of all similar offences in 2020.
Uninsured, Untaxed, and MOT-less Cars Seized in Huge Numbers
Vehicle checks saw 152 cars seized. Of those, 129 were caught driving uninsured, 33 without tax, and 42 with expired MOTs. Speed was another key focus, with 130 checks leading to 168 traffic offence reports, five court summons, and 261 warnings.
Community Speed Watch Returns
Good news for locals: the Community Speed Watch scheme is set to restart on 29 March after Covid restrictions kept volunteers off the streets. Police say the scheme’s comeback will help keep Wiltshire roads safe.
Assistant Chief Constable Deb Smith said: “While most drivers obey the law, this intense operation shows the huge effort made daily to keep roads safe. I witnessed officers in an unmarked HGV on the motorway, spotting serious offences. We’ve learned key lessons and will keep targeting reckless drivers and poorly maintained vehicles. Saving lives on Wiltshire’s roads is well worth the effort.”
Jerry Herbert, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, added: “Road safety remains a priority, lockdown or not. The Community Speed Watch returns with fresh support from a new enforcement officer, boosting volunteer efforts. Most drivers do the right thing, but we’ll keep working with partners to tackle problem areas and protect our communities.”
Spot a Road Risk? Report It!
Think someone’s breaking the law behind the wheel? Call 101 with details like the driver’s description, car registration, and the offence. If it’s an emergency and a crime is in progress, dial 999 immediately.
