AN AVON and Somerset policing operation saw 14 arrests and 18 vehicles seized in five days earlier this month.

The arrests, in the period November 11-15,  included one of a 45-year-old man who tested positive for cocaine.

Avon and Somerset Police’s roads policing officers combined efforts this month with neighbourhood policing teams to crack down on dangerous road users and illegal driving. 

Results from the week:

  • 14 arrests (for multiple offences: e.g. drug-driving, concerned in the supply of class A drugs, disqualified driving, vehicle theft, prison recall, warrants, Criminal Behaviour Order breaches) 
  • 23 uninsured drivers caught + 18 vehicles seized 
  • 521 speeding offences, two of which were 61mph in a 30mph zone 
  • 48 speeding detections from an unmarked Road Safety Enforcement Van 
  • 4 illegal number plates 
  • 4 mobile phone offences 
  • 3 seatbelt offences 
  • 1 vehicle without tax 
  • 1 insecure load made safe 

Drug-driving arrests

Headlines from the week include multiple arrests for drug-driving.

On Thursday, November 14, a 25-year-old man, suspected of being intoxicated, was followed into a car park by an unmarked vehicle just off the A361 near Frome.

The driver was arrested at the scene while two passengers ran off but were later arrested. He tested positive on a drug wipe and was identified as a disqualified driver who was wanted for seven outstanding theft offences, eight outstanding CBO breaches and one outstanding assault offence. He was remanded into custody. 

On the same day, the two passengers from the above incident were seen getting into another car. Pursued by an unmarked vehicle, the front passenger threw a black item into some bushes at the side of the carriageway.

Returning to the scene, officers recovered a container holding 25 snap bags of white powder, suspected to be class A drugs.  

A stinger site soon brought the vehicle to a stop. All three individuals were arrested on suspicion of being involved in the supply of class A drugs.

The 45-year-old driver also tested positive for cocaine and officers seized a large quantity of cash from the footwell of the car. The men have been conditionally bailed while an investigation is underway.

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A team effort 

As well as the Roads Policing Unit and neighbourhood officers, many other teams from across the constabulary contributed to the operation’s success: Tactical Support, the Special Constabulary, Detainee Investigations, Communications, Intelligence and Road Safety Enforcement. 

Each day of action focused on a different force area: 

  • 11 November – Avonmouth, Portishead, Clevedon 
  • 12 November – Airport and the A38 corridor 
  • 14 November – Frome 
  • 15 November – Bath 

These areas were identified through data and intelligence mapping to help hone officers’ search for roads-related risks, including uninsured vehicles and ‘Fatal Five’ behaviours:  

  1. Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol 
  2. Speeding 
  3. Not wearing a seatbelt 
  4. Careless and dangerous driving 
  5. Distracted driving (including using phones and devices behind the wheel). 

No insurance? Nowhere to hide 

The five days of action also coincided with the national campaign Op Drive Insured, which saw a total of 91 vehicles seized across Avon and Somerset – including the 18 vehicles seized in the abovementioned local operations. 

Uninsured drivers cause more collisions and are often linked to secondary offences such as hit-and-run collisions, drink- and drug-driving, and being involved in criminal networks.

For this reason, Avon and Somerset Police’s dedicated roads policing officers will continue to deal with insurance offences robustly to improve road safety and protect communities.

Inspector Matt Boiles, of Avon and Somerset Police’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “Thanks to the support of all teams involved, we took many dangerous drivers off our roads in November.

“Although this was a win for the operation, the results clearly show the huge risks some individuals are taking while behind the wheel. We’re determined to clamp down on these dangerous and unacceptable behaviours, and continue to do so every day, to protect other road users and pedestrians from harm.”