Police have cracked down on the number of dangerous drivers across the South West of England, with several motorists issued fines, penalty points and speed awareness courses.
Devon and Cornwall Police ran a strategic operation last week in Truro, with the results finding multiple cases of dangerous driving.
The outcome of the operation saw several drivers penalised for breaking key driving laws, with many being arrested on the roadside.
The mission took place in Truro, Tregony and Perranporth with officers deployed in marked and unmarked cars to specifically target careless drivers.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk
Devon and Cornwall police recorded several instances of drivers causing offences on UK roads
PA/GETTY
The police team also carries out high visibility patrols to deter people from using vehicles anti-socially, following reports from residents.
Residents complained about the number of motorcycles in Hendra and cars in Malpas, Newham and Threemilestone, which were gathered anti-socially.
During the police action day, they pulled over drivers to carry out roadside checks, including breathalysers and drug swabs.
This resulted in two arrests for driving while under the influence of alcohol, while the other driver was arrested for driving while banned.
Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol carries a hefty penalty of three months’ imprisonment as well as up to £2,500 fine.
In more serious cases, drivers can face six months’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine and a ban from driving for at least a year, which can increase to three years if convicted twice in 10 years.
Three people were also found driving without insurance, while another driver was arrested for speeding.
Driving without valid insurance can result in a fixed penalty of £300 and six penalty points, but if the case goes to court, drivers could be hit with an unlimited fine or risk being disqualified from driving altogether.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Drivers can be issued a hefty fine for poor driving DEVON AND CORNWALL POLICEThe drivers were reported, with subsequent penalties issued as well as speed awareness courses, points on licences and fines.
Motorists caught speeding can be fined a minimum penalty of £100 as well as slapped with three penalty points. But in more serious cases, this penalty can increase to £1,000 or £2,500 if caught speeding on a motorway.
Police Sergeant Dave Pearce said: "We know that dangerous driving is a concern for our communities, especially because of how busy the roads can get throughout the summer months.
"Carrying out activity like this is key in tackling careless driving and those who drive without any consideration for the safety of other road users."
The police operation found multiple cases of driving offences
DEVON AND CORNWALL POLICEAccording to UK law, the offence of driving without due care and attention is committed when "your driving falls below the minimum standard expected of a competent and careful driver, and includes driving without reasonable consideration for other road users".
The penalty for this can vary, with drivers facing fines, penalty points and prison sentences in more severe cases.
Pearce added: "I’d like to reassure people who live, work or plan to holiday in Cornwall, that our officers will continue to be on the roads as we head into summer. We will be working to keep you safe and remove dangerous drivers from the roads.
"There is no excuse for committing these offences and taking risks when driving. Your choices can have huge consequences - please always consider the safety of others."
Most Read
