Road Safety Operation in Devon and Cornwall Leads to Multiple Arrests

To enhance road safety, Devon and Cornwall Police’s Roads Policing Unit, along with the No Excuses team, conducted Operation Vortex throughout May.

This extensive operation aimed at reducing road collisions and casualties by targeting dangerous and inconsiderate driving behaviours.

Key Arrests and Offences

During the month-long operation, officers stopped 231 vehicles and made 21 arrests, including two men involved in the theft of three motorcycles in Cornwall. The operation revealed a range of offences:

• Speeding: 84 offences, including six drivers exceeding 97mph.
• Safety Camera Unit: Detected 1,580 additional speeding offences.
• Insurance and MOT Violations: 42 vehicles were found without valid insurance or MOT.
• Mobile Phone Use: 24 motorists were caught using their mobile phones while driving.
• Disqualified Drivers: Four individuals were found driving while disqualified.
• Seatbelt Violations: Four drivers were not wearing seatbelts.
• Drink and Drug Driving: 15 drivers were under the influence of drink or drugs.
• Careless Driving: 12 motorists were charged with driving without due care.

A Call for Safer Driving

Motor Patrol Constable Richie Roome of the Alliance Roads Policing Team highlighted the proactive nature of Operation Vortex, targeting dangerous driving behaviours known as the “fatal five”: careless driving, drink and drug driving, failing to wear seatbelts, distracted driving (such as mobile phone use), and speeding.

Roome expressed concern over the recent rise in fatalities and serious injuries on the roads, hoping the operation reassures the community of their commitment to removing dangerous drivers and ensuring public safety.

“Drivers caught committing offences could face fines, points on their licence, court appearances, or even imprisonment for more serious violations,” Roome stated. He also urged drivers to take extra care and be vigilant for other road users to prevent further tragedies.

Support from the Police and Crime Commissioner

Alison Hernandez, Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner, voiced strong support for the robust enforcement of road traffic laws. She commended the officers, staff, and volunteers for their hard work in enhancing road safety.

“While families continue to be devastated by the deaths of their loved ones due to inconsiderate and dangerous driving, I will wholeheartedly support the police in robust enforcement of road traffic laws,” said Hernandez. She hopes that those endangering lives will reconsider their actions, knowing the likelihood of being caught and facing severe consequences.

For more information on road safety, visit the dedicated page on the Devon and Cornwall Police website: Road Safety – Fatal Five.