Drones and undercover vehicles to be used to target Surrey's drivers

A new Surrey policing team will use drones and undercover vehicles to cut the driving offences that most lead to deaths on the county’s roads.

Surrey Police say the fatal five offences – careless driving, drink and drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, using a mobile phone and speeding – are the main factors that cause serious road traffic collisions.

Covert activity in the new enforcement team will include unmarked motorbikes, cars, lorries, vans and drones.

Sergeant Dan Pascoe said: “This new team will help to reduce dangerous and distracted driving on our roads by primarily targeting those users who are committing the fatal five offences.

“Together we will aim to make the roads of Surrey safer for everyone who uses them.”

In 2020, 28 people were killed and 571 people seriously injured on Surrey roads.

Surrey Police is recruiting internally and the team is expected to get underway in June, with two sergeants and ten constables supported by a researcher and communications officer.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said she was “really excited” to see it forming.

She said: “Improving safety on Surrey’s roads is a key priority of my Police and Crime Plan for the next three years, which is based on the feedback I’ve received from residents.”

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