Extra police dispatched to catch speeding, drink and drug drivers

A huge operation's underway across Cheshire to crack down on drivers who think it's okay to speed, take drugs, or drink behind the wheel.

The policing operation overall focuses on the five key factors that contribute to the majority of serious and fatal road collisions, which as well as the above - includes distracted driving, not wearing seatbelts, and careless driving.

"We've got a massive increase in the number of people being arrested for drug driving offences." PC Richard Woodward told our Chief Reporter Adam Smith.

"The younger generation seem to be taking more cocaine and cannabis and then driving."

Throughout the operation officers will be conducting roadside checks, enforcing speed limits, and taking action against road offenders in order to prevent collisions, protect lives, and hold offenders accountable.

Officers will also be targeting offenders who are using the roads to conduct their criminal activities, including stopping uninsured drivers as research shows those engaged in criminality are statistically more likely to be uninsured.

Inspector Brad Hughes, from Cheshire’s Roads and Crime Unit, said: “In Cheshire we are dedicated to policing the roads all year round, however this operation gives us an opportunity to highlight and target these high-risk behaviours in order to educate road users, prevent collisions and make our roads safer.

“For each person injured or killed on the roads there are friends, families or communities affected. I am encouraging the public to use the roads safely and not contribute to any unnecessary and preventable collisions.

“My message to anyone who intends to use the county’s roads for their criminal activities – we will take action.”

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