Young drivers in Wiltshire urged to 'take extra care' on the roads
There has been a rise in young motorists being killed or seriously injured across the county
Last updated 21st Apr 2021
Wiltshire Police is reminding young drivers to be safe when getting behind the wheel, as lockdown restrictions continue to ease.
According to the Force, in 2021 there has been a "noticeable increase" in motorists under the age of 30 being caught speeding, or driving under the influence of drink and drugs.
A higher rate of young drivers across the county are also being killed or seriously injured on the road.
Over one recent weekend, Wiltshire Police stopped** eight young motorists for travelling above 100 miles per hour** on the M4 and A303.
In a separate incident which reportedly took place earlier this month, a three-vehicle crash in Yarnbrook also left one driver with serious injuries.
Officers say the collision involved young drivers and passengers, leading to six motorists being arrested for drink and drug driving offences.
'There may be a skill fade due to lockdown'
Sgt Will Ayres, from Wiltshire Police's Roads Policing Unit, said:
“This is a very concerning development.
I would like to remind all drivers on the roads of Wiltshire, especially younger drivers, to be aware that there may be a skill fade from not driving as routinely as they once did due to the lockdown.
I would also urge everyone to check that their vehicles are roadworthy".