More than 100 vehicles have been stopped by police during a targeted operation aimed at cracking down on dangerous driving cases.
The operation followed reports of growing unrest in Swindon, which saw concerns mount about dangerous driving and criminal activity on UK roads.
The police targeted drivers for the most common causes of serious crashes, otherwise known as the "Fatal Five" which includes speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, using a mobile phone at the wheel, and careless driving.
Officers carried out the joint operation to prevent drivers from committing road offences with several issued penalties and police action.
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The police operation saw more than 100 vehicles checked by the police
| DEVON AND CORNWALL POLICE/GETTYWiltshire Police explained that they wanted to show that they were actively watching the roads to stop drivers who thought they could get away with breaking the law and hold them to account.
Police confirmed that five people were arrested as part of the operation, with two individuals being taken into custody on suspicion of drug driving.
Both were later released on bail, while another individual was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
But more shockingly, the operation highlighted a sheer number of traffic offences detected in just a single day.
The police recorded 71 cases of speeding during a single operation
| PAIn total, 103 motorists were dealt with by police, with 71 drivers being caught speeding, and one driver recorded travelling at 71mph in a 40mph zone.
Under UK law, drivers can face hefty penalties for speeding, with penalties of at least £100 and three penalty points added to their driving licence.
This could increase to as much as £2,500, depending on what the speed limit was and how much over it the driver was travelling.
Another 32 vehicles were stopped for a range of offences, including driving without a valid tax, MOT or insurance, carrying insecure loads, failing to wear a seatbelt, running red lights, and driving vehicles in a dangerous condition.
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The investigation also revealed that a number of vehicles were flagged through Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras, which helped officers track down cars linked to previous offences.
One stolen vehicle was recovered during the operation, while five others were seized on the spot.
Sergeant Will Ayres, from Wiltshire's Roads Policing Unit, said: "The Fatal Five weren't just rules – they were lifesavers. Yet we still hear excuses from drivers caught drink or drug driving, speeding, or using their phones. Many simply didn't think they would get stopped. But we were there, and we were watching."
He also warned drivers to think about the devastating impact of dangerous driving on families across the country.
The police have been cracking down on 'Fatal Five' cases across Wiltshire
| ESSEX POLICE"Knocking on a door to tell someone their loved one has died was the hardest part of this job. The moment they saw a police officer, you could see the fear and heartbreak before a word was spoken. It was a moment that changed lives forever," he said.
The operation also underlined growing concerns about the state of UK roads, where many cases of reckless driving had become common.
Wiltshire Police said they would continue to run similar operations, insisting that drivers had to take more responsibility for their behaviour behind the wheel.
Officers also urged motorists to think carefully about the consequences of their actions, not just for themselves "but for everyone around them".
While the operation had immediate results, questions remained about whether such crackdowns could truly change driver behaviour in the long term.