Two drivers arrested, three vehicles seized and a stolen vehicle recovered; all in a day of action as part of Devon and Cornwall Police’s efforts to keep roads in South Devon safe.

The road operation, which took place in Teignbridge, saw marked and unmarked police vehicles take to the roads to tackle dangerous drivers, with a focus on those not wearing seatbelts and driving without due care.

Officers also aimed to educate drivers on the most common causes of serious injuries and deaths on the region’s roads – known as the fatal five – in a bid to deter future offending.

The operation resulted in:

This activity formed part of a two-day period of intensified action in South Devon. The first day took place in Torquay on Wednesday 16 April, which resulted in nine vehicles being seized, three drivers arrested, six drivers found using a mobile phone and five people not wearing a seat belt.

All drivers have been educated on the dangers of their actions. Where suitable, drivers have been reported and penalties will be issued, including speed awareness courses, points on licenses and fines.

Head of Roads Policing, Temporary Chief Inspector Dean Drury, said: “On too many occasions, police officers and other emergency services attend the aftermath of road traffic collisions, where people have been seriously injured or tragically killed. 

“To reduce the pain and suffering felt across our communities after a serious collision, we will continue to pursue and educate individuals who choose to commit driving offences which put themselves, their passengers and other road users at risk.”

Ch Insp Drury added: “Our officers are on the roads 24 hours a day, seven days a week, patrolling all areas of Devon and Cornwall and carrying out operations like this one.

“There is no excuse for committing these offences and taking these risks when driving. Please consider the safety of others. Our officers are out on the roads looking for those breaking the law.”

Inspector Wesley Watkins, who helped co-ordinate the operation, said: "These operations are hugely important for us to make sure we’re doing our part in keeping people safe on the road. Our focus was to educate drivers, deter dangerous behaviour and identify those breaking the law in an effort to create positive, safe, sustainable change. Our officers will continue to carry out this work at different times and locations throughout the year."

The ‘Fatal Five’ are contributory factors that cause serious road traffic collisions. This includes drink/drug driving, failing to wear seatbelts, using mobile phones (and other in-car distractions), health and fitness to drive and speeding.

Drivers who commit offences could receive a fine and points on their licence, a court appearance and even imprisonment for more serious offences.

If you are concerned about speeding 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 & Cornwall Police website.