Police crackdown on motorists along 'scenic' road

Police caught a total of 34 speeding vehicles during the day-long operation

A police operation caught more than 30 drivers speeding on a costal stretch of road across a day, including one travelling at 75mph in a 50mph zone.

Dorset Police said between 2020 and 2024 there had been 95 road traffic collisions on the B3157 between Chickerell and Bridport.

On Sunday, various teams from the force were joined by local volunteers to tackle erratic and unsafe driving in the area.

As well as the 34 drivers caught speeding, another motorist was arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit through drugs during the operation.

The 22-year-old, from Northampton, has since been released under investigation, police said.

Sgt Gareth Thomas said: "With the weather improving and visitors beginning to head to Dorset for the holidays, we wanted to send a clear message to all road users to drive sensibly."

He said the B3157 was a "notoriously beautiful and scenic road" that the force wanted "everyone to enjoy responsibly".

Along the road, which predominantly follows the Jurassic Coast, the number of motorcyclists involved in collisions is disproportionately higher than the proportion of motorbikes on the roads.

Dorset Police said 81% of collisions involving motorbikes on the road resulted in a serious injury to the rider, whereas only 24% of other vehicle users sustained any serious injuries.

As well as dealing with speeding, the force said a further 17 vehicles were stopped and "given education on how to improve their road safety".