More than 40 arrested after police target motorists

MORE than 40 people were arrested in Warrington when police mounted an operation focussed on driving offences.

Operation Pursuit ran from Monday September 27 to Monday October 25 – and its results were revealed today.
Main focus was to target motorists under the “fatal five” offences – speeding, drink and drug driving, using a mobile phone at the wheel, careless driving and not wearing a seat belt.
In addition officers also targeted motorists who were driving while disqualified.
In total, 17 people were arrested on suspicion of drink driving and 11 on suspicion of drug driving. Five people were detained for failing to provide a sample.
Two people were arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, three for being drunk while in charge of a vehicle, one for possession with intent to supply and two for being disqualified while driving. Officers also issued 45 fines and seized 14 vehicles as well as five e-scooters.
Chief Inspector Neil Drum, from Warrington’s Local Policing Unit, said: “While officers are regularly carrying out this action as part of their daily business we wanted to go that extra mile last month following an increase in collisions.
“We found that the increases are often due to people breaking five offences that can lead to a serious road traffic collision or a fatality.
“When you deliberately ignore them, you put yourself and other people at considerable risk.
“You could also be stopped by an officer at any point and if found to be breaking the rules you could be arrested.
“As the winter months are now upon us I hope the operation acts as a warning to motorists and passengers to adhere to the rules for your own safety and for others.
“Don’t put your life, and the lives of other road users and pedestrians, at risk – slow down, pay attention, wear your seat belt, put your phone down, don’t drink or drug drive and make sure that your vehicle is safe for the roads.”