News Article

Police put the brakes on dangerous driving in Plymouth

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Local officers recently supported a joint road safety operation to target antisocial driving in Plymouth following community concerns around speeding and excessive noise.

The activity took place on Thursday 6 August across West Hoe Road, Millbay Road and Durnford Street alongside Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

Their focus was to identify those purposely making loud noise from engines or from music, individuals using excessive speed or those driving recklessly.

During the evening of action, police pulled over drivers to carry out roadside checks. The results included:

  • Seven vehicles with illegal plates identified
  • Two vehicles found driving of excess speed on West Hoe Road
  • Six vehicles found driving of excess speed on Millbay Road
  • Three vehicles found driving of excess on Durnford Street
  • Two people found driving with no ‘L’ plates displayed
  • A number of vehicles failed to stop when signalled by officers on the ground – number plates were captured and drivers will be prosecuted in court

Drivers have been reported and penalties will be issued where appropriate, including speed awareness courses, points on licences and fines.

DVSA also issued seven motorcycles with delayed prohibitions, due to illegal exhausts which caused excessive noise. Drivers will have one week to purchase a legal exhaust and complete a further MOT.

Police Inspector Olly Barrett, who supported with the operation, said: "We know dangerous and inconsiderate driving is a concern for our communities, particularly during the busy summer months when there are more people using our roads.

"Operations like this are an important part of our work to identify those who put others at risk and to take action against drivers who choose not to follow the law.

"I want to reassure residents, businesses and visitors that our officers will continue carrying out proactive patrols and enforcement activity across the year to help keep our roads safe for everyone."

Insp Barrett added: "There is never an excuse for taking unnecessary risks behind the wheel. A moment's poor judgement can have life-changing consequences, so I would urge all road users to think carefully about their actions and the safety of others."

This activity was carried out by the South Sector Neighbourhood Team and the Road Casualty Reduction team alongside the DVSA. 

It forms part of a wider approach to tackle dangerous driving and make roads safer for everyone across Devon and Cornwall.

If you are concerned about careless driving in your area, or you would like to share information about a suspected road traffic offence to the police, please report it online here. If a crime is in progress always call 999.

For more information, visit the road safety page on the Devon and Cornwall Police website.

Footage of dangerous driving can also be submitted to police as part of Operation Snap. To learn more, or to submit footage, visit: Operation Snap | Devon & Cornwall Police.

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