Dangerous drivers have been targeted throughout April as part of a nationwide road safety crackdown, targeting the Fatal Four.
Operation Spotlight is a national road safety operation which focuses on the Fatal Four:
- Speeding
- Using a mobile phone at the wheel
- Not wearing a seatbelt
- Driving under the influence of drink and/or drugs
Here in Cumbria, the operation was led by the Constabulary’s dedicated Roads Policing Unit and resulted in 146 arrests, including 71 drivers for drug driving and 52 drivers for drink driving.
Other arrests included failing to provide a specimen for analysis and being unfit through drink or drugs.
Inspector Holly Lockwood, lead for Cumbria’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “Those drivers who get behind the wheel whilst inebriated are putting their own lives as well as the lives of all other road users at risk – which is why our officers will continue to target such behaviour.
“I’m proud of our officers for the work they do each day, targeting drivers who get behind the wheel whilst unfit through drink or drugs. Every time our officers intervene is one more potentially serious or fatal road traffic collision prevented.”
During Operation Spotlight, Cumbria Police also ran Operation Colossus – targeting anti-social driving and promoting road safety in hotspot areas.
Four arrested following road safety operation - Cumbria Constabulary
Insp Lockwood said: “Road safety is a priority for the Constabulary 365 days a years and our Roads Policing Unit officers are on the roads day and night looking for people who are a danger to themselves and others.
“Our officers are often responding to community intelligence so I would encourage anyone who knows someone has got behind the wheel whilst unfit through drink or drugs to contact police immediately.”
Always call 999 in an emergency – including when a crime is in progress.
For non-emergencies, you can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit. You can also phone on 101.
Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: "Dangerous and anti-social driving is one of the key issues raised with me by residents so I’m pleased to see the Constabulary continuing to pro-actively target drivers who are breaking the law.
“The worst thing about these drivers is that they often come off the least effected by their offences. Putting other lives at risk is incredibly selfish so I would urge motorists to think twice before putting themselves and others in a potentially dangerous situation.
"My priority is to make sure the offenders are the ones that suffer the consequences of committing crime and that law-abiding members of the public remain safe.
"I urge anyone who has an idea of someone committing driving offences to come forward to the police or Crimestoppers, that way action can be taken to prevent possible tragedies.
“I’d also encourage the public to report any ongoing issues in their communities related to driving. Reports help the Police build evidence and if we know there is a problem is a certain area, we can put the resources in place to deal with it. Let’s work together to protect Cumbria’s safety.”