Lockdown Driving Crackdown: 136 Arrested in Wiltshire!
Wiltshire police have slammed the brakes on dangerous drivers during lockdown, arresting 136 people suspected of driving offences. The haul includes 88 drug driving and 84 drink driving suspects. They also caught 20 disqualified drivers behind the wheel.
Mobile Phones, Speeding & Uninsured Cars Targeted
Over six weeks, officers stopped 81 drivers for lacking a valid licence or breaching licence conditions—39 in just the last fortnight. Mobile phone use behind the wheel was a major crackdown focus, with 41 caught texting or calling, that’s a quarter of all such offences seen in the whole of 2020.
Vehicle roadworthiness was also checked hard. Police seized 152 vehicles—129 for no insurance, 33 for no tax, and 42 with expired MOTs. Speeding remains a worry, prompting 130 speed checks, resulting in 168 Traffic Offence Reports, five court summons, and 261 warnings handed out.
Community Speed Watch Returns
Good news for residents fed up of speeding: the Community Speed Watch scheme, paused due to Covid, is set to make a comeback on 29 March. Volunteers will once again help monitor reckless drivers and keep Wiltshire roads safe.
Top Brass Speak Out on Road Safety Mission
Assistant Chief Constable Deb Smith said: “Most drivers in Wiltshire obey the law and drive safely, but this extra policing shows the tough work needed to keep our roads safe.
“I recently joined Operation Tramline, where unmarked police HGVs patrol motorways to catch offenders in the act. It’s vital work and we will keep targeting those risking lives through bad driving or unsafe vehicles.
“Some say we should focus on ‘real criminals’, but saving lives on our roads is a priority well worth the effort.
“As chair of the swindon/" title="Swindon" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Swindon and Wiltshire Road Safety Strategic Group, I assure the public we combine education and enforcement to tackle dangerous driving.”
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Jerry Herbert added: “Road safety remains key in the Police and Crime plan, lockdown or not. We welcome strong enforcement and the return of Community Speed Watch with new support officers.
“Most road users follow the rules, but we’ll keep working with local councils, Fire and Rescue, and Highways England to stamp out risky behaviour and keep Wiltshire’s roads safe.”
Spot a Dangerous Driver? Here’s What to Do
If you suspect someone’s breaking the law on the roads, call 101 with details like vehicle registration, driver description, and behaviour. If a crime is actively happening and someone’s behind the wheel, dial 999 immediately.
