Devon & Cornwall Police News site

Members of the public were given advice on e-scooter and e-bike laws, anti-social driving and ways to report concerns during a recent community engagement event in Plymouth, before a targeted enforcement operation identified a range of motoring offences in the city.

Neighbourhood policing teams from Plymouth joined colleagues from Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service on Plymouth Hoe on Friday 25 September for an afternoon of engagement aimed at improving road safety and raising awareness of issues affecting local communities.

Between 2.00pm and 5.00pm, officers and firefighters spoke with residents about the legal use of e-scooters and e-bikes, the dangers associated with anti-social driving and the reporting tools available to help police identify problem drivers and riders.

The engagement event formed part of a wider day of action aimed at tackling road-related antisocial behaviour and improving safety across the city.

Later the same day, between 5.00pm and 8.00pm, officers from the neighbourhood team worked with Roads Policing officers to carry out a targeted operation in Plymouth, supported by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). This operation focused on vehicle safety, legal compliance and driver behaviour.

The operation resulted in a number of offences being identified and enforcement action being taken.

• Six immediate prohibitions issued by DVSA for offences including bald tyres and illegal window tints
• Seven delayed prohibitions issued by DVSA for modified exhaust systems
• One vehicle failed to stop for police, and was traced. Enquiries are ongoing
• Two Section 59 warnings issued for inconsiderate driving

Drivers and riders were also reported for a range of offences, including:

• Three offences relating to bald tyres
• Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence
• Failing to display L plates
• Failing to stop at a red traffic signal
• No insurance
• No MOT
• Driving without due care and attention
• Excess speed

Plymouth Neighbourhood Beat Manager, PC Becks Adam worked with Group Commander Plymouth Response Group and Chair of Community Safety Partnership ‘Safer Plymouth’, Simon Carey, to organise the event. She said “Anti-social driving is not just an annoyance; it can have a real impact on the safety and quality of life of people living in or visiting Plymouth.

“Following concerns raised by the community, we carried out a day of action focused on educating members of the public about road safety, and proactively tackling dangerous and anti-social behaviour on our roads.

“We want residents to know that we are listening, and that the information they provide helps us identify problems and take positive action, and we will continue to work with our partners to make our roads safer for everyone.”

Councillor Chris Penberthy, Plymouth City Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for Safer Plymouth added “Whether it is the way cars and bikes are driven, the noise they make, their roadworthiness or drivers being insured - sadly, a few people’s antisocial and illegal driving has a massive impact on many of our residents and businesses.

“Multi-agency and visible operations like this which link education and enforcement are important as we work together to tackle vehicular anti-social behaviour and improve the lives of people living and working in Plymouth.”

Devon & Cornwall Police continues to work alongside partner agencies to tackle anti-social driving, improve road safety and address the issues that matter most to local communities.

Residents can report anti-social driving and vehicle-related concerns online via the Devon & Cornwall Police website or by calling 101. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress or there is an immediate risk to life.