Police operation cracks down on dangerous driving

Operation Lockspring aimed to reduce the number of road collisions and educate the public

More than 30 motorists have been arrested during a four-day campaign targeting dangerous driving.

Devon and Cornwall Police said Operation Lockspring was working to reduce the number of collisions on roads and to educate the public about the importance of driving safely.

The force said 33 arrests were made and 252 people were caught speeding.

It added that, where appropriate, education and advice were provided; and where there was a significant breach of the speed limit, penalty tickets were issued.

Police said there were five main causes of serious injuries and deaths on the roads known as the Fatal Five, which had contributed to 59 people losing their lives on the roads in both counties in 2024.

These included: driving at an excessive speed, not wearing a seatbelt, driving while using a mobile phone, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and not being physically or medically fit to drive.

It added research showed those who have been involved in one or more of the fatal five offences were significantly more likely to be involved in a serious or fatal collision.

'Safe, responsible and respectful'

Research also showed those under the influence of drink or drugs were 10 times more likely to be involved in a serious or fatal collision

Those under the influence of both were more than 16 times more likely to be at risk.

Motor Patrol Sergeant Ben Balsdon, who led the operation, said: "The vast majority of road users in Devon and Cornwall are safe, responsible and respectful – and I would urge everyone to consider the implications of not driving or riding safely and what can happen when you don't.

"The last thing our officers want to do is knock on any door and have to tell a family a loved one isn't coming home."