More than 100 vehicles seized as police target dangerous and uninsured drivers

Avon and Somerset Police made more than a dozen arrests during a week of action earlier this month

Author: James DiamondPublished 27th Nov 2024

Fourteen people have been arrested and a total of 109 vehicles seized by Avon and Somerset Police, during a special week of action targeting dangerous and uninsured driving.

The force says it carried out patrols in various places including Portishead, near Bristol Airport, Milverton, Minehead, Frome and Bath, from 11th to 15th November.

Those arrested were detained on suspicion of various offences including drug driving, being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and vehicle theft.

Additionally 521 speeding offences were recorded, four illegal number plates spotted and four mobile phone offences tallied.

On Thursday 14th November, a 25-year-old man suspected of being drunk was followed into a car park by an unmarked vehicle just off the A361 near Frome.

The driver was arrested at the scene while two passengers ran off (later to be arrested). He tested positive on a drug wipe and was found to be disqualified from driving, also wanted for seven outstanding theft offences, eight outstanding Criminal Behaviour Order breaches and one outstanding assault offence.

On the same day, the two passengers from the above incident were seen getting into another car. Pursued by an unmarked vehicle, the front passenger threw a black item into some bushes at the side of the carriageway.

Returning to the scene, officers recovered a container holding 25 snap bags of white powder, suspected to be class A drugs.

Inspector Matt Boiles, of Avon and Somerset Police’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “Thanks to the support of all teams involved, we took many dangerous drivers off our roads in November.

“Although this was a win for the operation, the results clearly show the huge risks some individuals are taking while behind the wheel.

"We’re determined to clamp down on these dangerous and unacceptable behaviours, and continue to do so every day, to protect other road users and pedestrians from harm.”

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