An operation targeting road safety was held in Carlisle yesterday (Nov 6) afternoon.
Operation Colossus was launched after concerns were raised by communities of anti-social driving across Cumbria.
The operation has been running over a 15-weeks alongside Operation Enhance – the Constabulary’s long-standing crackdown on anti-social behaviour in hotspot areas (Op Enhance | Cumbria Police) – whilst enhancing road safety around the county to address your concerns.
Officers from the Carlisle Neighbourhood Policing Team alongside Operational Support set up a checkpoint in the Fusehill Street area of the city before conducting mobile patrols later in the evening.
During the operation:
- 125 vehicles were stopped
- 11 Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) were given
- One vehicle was uplifted for no tax and an expired MOT
- Six stop searches were carried out
- One person was reported for two bald tyres
Officers also arrested one person on suspicion of drug driving.
Inspector Alex Johnson from the Road Policing Unit said “This operation is in response to concerns raised by our communities to us around road safety.
“This operation allows us to engage with drivers about the initiative as well as take potentially dangerous drivers off our roads.
“I would encourage anyone with concerns about anti-social driving or someone driving dangerously on our roads to report it.”
If you see someone using our roads in a dangerous or anti-social way, please report it to the Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: "Anti-social and dangerous driving is an issue that is raised with me by residents on a regular, including the illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters.
“As this is clearly a public priority, it’s essential that we tackle it.
“Operation Colossus is a snapshot of what Police do year-round to keep our roads safe and the message is clear: if you drive dangerously on Cumbria’s roads or our public spaces, you will be caught and you will face the consequences.
“I hope residents are reassured by the work taking place that is a step closer to reducing serious collisions on our roads.
“The police can only target these drivers/riders when they know about them, so I would always encourage the public to continue to report dangerous or nuisance riding/driving to Police at 101 or 999 in an emergency – each report provides evidence and therefore ensures the Police can place the dedicated resources where they are most needed.
“If you do not see a change, please contact me at commissioner@cumbria-pcc.gov.uk or on 01768 217734. I am your Commissioner, your voice in Policing – please use me to raise your concerns.”