Increase in police speed checks on Wiltshire roads

Speed checks in Wiltshire have risen in the past two weeks

Police speed checks on Wiltshire's roads have increased over the past two weeks as part of Operation Scorpion, an initiative targeting illegal drug activity in the West and South West.

The operation aims to disrupt drug supply while also targeting speeding drivers.

Natasha Gell, who works for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner as a Serious Violence Duty Co-ordinator, highlighted the importance of vehicle searches in tackling drug crime.

"It’s about creating a ring of steel," she said. "All the police forces in the region are working together to restrict and stop drug networks."

Natasha Gell said vehicle searches can help combat drug networks

On 1 October, Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Catherine Roper joined a community speed watch event in Trowbridge, where officers conducted speed checks for both education and enforcement.

"Operation Scorpion Nine is a proactive, police and crime commissioner-led effort," said Ms. Roper.

"Our aim is to disrupt drug traffickers using Wiltshire's roads while also ensuring the safety of drivers and communities."

She said Wiltshire faced some unique challenges as a largely rural county.

"We’ve increased our road enforcement efforts because this is a concern for our communities, and as a rural area, we often see criminals using our roads to move illegal substances," she explained.

The Chief Constable (right) took part in a community speedwatch event in Trowbridge

PC Rob Dentry, also involved in the speed watch campaign, reported stopping five speeding vehicles in just 10 minutes.

"We could stop more, but it’s not just about enforcement - it's about educating drivers on the dangers of speeding," he said.

"We don’t want people dying on Wiltshire’s roads due to excessive speed."

In addition to speeding, officers are on the lookout for other offences.

PC Liam Rodriguez-Wilkins explained that officers regularly check for issues like faulty tyre treads and broken lights during traffic stops.

"If a driver commits a moving traffic offence, we can request a breath sample to check for alcohol, and we also have the ability to test for drugs like cannabis and cocaine using a saliva sample," he said.