Dorset Police’s ‘no excuse’ officers caught motorists flouting the law during a targeted operation in North Dorset on Wednesday 2 July .
Officers carried out patrols on the A350 from Poole to Shaftesbury in North Dorset to remind motorists of the importance of road safety. The day of action was in response to recent public concerns over the bad and inconsiderate driving along the A350 with the overall aim of reducing the number of people killed and seriously injured on Dorset’s roads.
Of the 57 motoring offences detected, officers found 24 examples of drivers or passengers not wearing seatbelts and Fixed Penalty Notices were issued in each case.
A total of 13 motorists were caught speeding and officers also handed tickets to 12 drivers who were caught driving while using a hand-held device.
Two motorists were issued a ticket for not being in proper control of the vehicle and six other offences were also detected.
Brian Austin, operations manager, said: “Dorset Police are concentrating on the fatal five contributory factors in road collisions in Dorset. These are excessive and inappropriate speed, driver distraction such as using a phone while driving, drink or drug driving, careless driving and not wearing a seatbelt.
“The aim of the day was a show of force to alert those drivers who continue to put themselves and others at risk that there is no excuse – simply do not do it. If you do, you will get caught.”
Deputy North Dorset Inspector Ken Morgan said: “Dorset Police are committed to keeping the roads as safe as possible for road users and local residents.
“We are aware of the concerns of local residents regarding the increased traffic along the A350 due to the closure of the C13 and we have taken a robust approach through this ‘no excuse’ day of action to identify and deal positively with road traffic offences on this route.
“Local police will continue to provide a high-visibility presence on a daily basis and we intend to carry out further proactive operations in the future.”
