Officers from Hampshire Constabulary’s Road Safety team have arrived on the Isle of Wight as part of a 2-day operation to tackle unsafe use of the Island’s roads by motorists flouting the law.
Mainland officers are working with the Island’s own Armed Response/Roads Policing Joint Operation Unit to tackle offences spotted on the roads and to provide education to motorists.
Previous operations have seen officers target anti-social vehicles, conduct speed enforcement at local hotspots, and issuing tickets to drivers using mobile phones, as well as individuals driving with dangerous loads.
The Island has seen a number of road incidents since the beginning of the easing of lockdown restrictions, including several traffic collisions involving drivers who were subsequently arrested on suspicion of offences such as drug driving – including an incident on Newport’s St George’s Way just days ago, as first reported by Island Echo.
Island Echo has been out with the police today observing part of the operation. During our reporter’s time with the officers, several motorists were stopped and given advice, including 1 driver regarding the securing of loads. Advice was also given to the rider of a moped relating to the use of suitable protective clothing.
PC Dave Hazlett of the Joint Operations Unit told Island Echo:
“It’s about highlighting to the public that since the lockdown has started to ease, there is more vehicle movement on the roads. With this in mind we are looking at promoting the Fatal Four which is speeding, mobile phones, seatbelts, and impairment.
“We are able to educate but we are also able to enforce the laws that govern the road network and obviously just provide that community reassurance that people’s issues around the use of the roads are being taken seriously and we’re visibly out there doing the job that we need to do.
Article continues below this advertisement “If people aren’t tempted to flout the road traffic laws then we would clearly prefer that as an option, however, it’s also that visible deterrent that the police are out there doing the job they need to do.
“We can’t be everywhere, but we could be anywhere.”
Isle of Wight resident Claire Mumford, who is also a Special Constable with Hampshire Constabulary, said she is pleased to see the operation take place as the roads here get busier as the Summer season hits.
Claire is urging drivers to take care. She’s said:
“It’s been really noticeable what’s been shown in the press, and what I’ve seen myself whilst out and about, the roads are a lot busier and there have been a lot more incidents lately.
“I’ve got family on the island, I’ve got friends on the island, I’m a big part of the local community, and I want them all to stay safe. I just want them to take it easy, remember that the roads are getting busier, there are going to be more people over here, and just look out for each other and be careful.
“This is a great opportunity – our colleagues coming to help us really makes a difference to what we can put in place to protect our Island community.”
About time too, what with all these drug crazed idiots on the roads.
they must be short of money again
There are so many drink and drug fuelled idiots here who think it is ok to drive, it’s gonna take a lot more than just 2 days! Then you have the ‘i can’t drive correctly crew’ who don’t D&D but can’t even use their indicators when they should! Why advertise the fact the Road Policing Unit is here, catch as many idiots as you can and thank you. Don’t forget the loud exhaust, speeding idiots who drive Fiesta’s who think they are Ferrari’s, pull them and slap them with a defective exhaust ticket.
HIDDEN cameras are the only way to go.
Such cameras are cheap small and easy to monitor from afar.
Could be hidden in trees hedgerows and private gardens to catch speeding, or bad driving.
And can operate via wi fi 24/7 and record all with min cost and staff.
Courts then need to seize cars and fine or jail offenders if deemed dangerous.
Everything else is just a short term gimmick
You are George Orwell and I claim my £5
Apart from April and May 2020, the traffic as been the same as it ever was. Before anyone complains I live on the main Newport Ryde road.
Let’s hope they catch some of the idiots who drive under the influence or with no insurance, and especially the tailgaters and speeders.
I am also amazed as to how many cars on the island have illegal number plates.
Need to get up in the morning when people are driving to work and taking there kids to school also smallbrook roundabout where people don’t even look