Dorset Police target prolific road offenders
Nine people have been arrested, and vehicles seized, across two days
A two day operation in Dorset has seen police targeting offenders known to be committing offences on the roads.
The intelligence based stops aimed to stop those that officers say 'refuse to modify their driving behaviour and fail to see the potential consequences of their actions'.
That included drivers with a history of failing to stop for police, drink or drug driving convictions, or links to criminality with increased dangerous driving concerns.
Eight arrests were made on suspicion of driving while under the influence of drugs, with one arrest made on suspicion of driving while under the influence of alcohol.
Nine vehicles were also seized by officers.
A number of other traffic offences were dealt with, such as no insurance, parking on a pedestrian crossing, using a mobile phone while driving, no MOT and driving without due care and attention.
In the BCP area, an e-bike was seized after it had been adapted and was deemed unsafe.
A disqualified driver was stopped, while on the school run, having never held a full driving licence.
Inspector Joe Wheable, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “We have dedicated roads policing officers who actively engage with motorists and take steps to confront dangerous behaviour head on.
“Our drive is to ensure that anyone travelling on the roads of Dorset is safe and not at risk from other motorists.
“We know that driving while under the influence can often have devastating consequences and we will continue to crack down and take action against those believed to be a danger on the roads.
“We would like to thank the public for their ongoing support in reporting suspected prolific road offenders – your information is invaluable in keeping the county’s roads safe. If you have specific information relating to a suspected prolific road offender, contact us at www.dorset.police.uk to share your intelligence. If there is an immediate danger to road users, call 999.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick added: “I hope the success of this activity sends a clear message to those who think they can get away with dangerous driving in Dorset – you will be caught, and your vehicle will be seized.
“There is no excuse for these types of behaviours, and anyone who gets behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs not only puts themselves at risk of serious injury or worse but also others, and that is completely unacceptable.
“I commend the officers for their work in making our roads safer for everyone in Dorset and thank them for robustly reinforcing the message that we will not tolerate this reckless behaviour in our county.”