Five arrested and stolen vehicle recovered in major police road safety operation

Five people have been arrested and a stolen vehicle recovered following a road safety operation across Teignbridge, South Hams and Torbay.

Police carried out the operation on Saturday 7 March, with Patrol, Neighbourhood and Special Constabulary officers focusing on tackling drink and drug driving.

During the evening officers identified a range of offences. Five people were stopped for driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, while three vehicles were found to have no insurance.

Officers also carried out roadside drug tests, which resulted in three positive drug wipes and three negative results. The saliva test is used to indicate possible drug driving.

Five drivers were tested for drink driving, with two returning positive breath tests and three negative.

Police also recovered a stolen vehicle during the operation, and another vehicle was stopped after being wanted in connection with non-traffic offences. Officers identified one offence of vehicle interference.

Four drivers found to have no insurance or driving licence had their vehicles seized. One driver was spoken to on suspicion of possession of cannabis after officers discovered suspected illicit drugs in a vehicle involved in a collision.

In total, five people were arrested – two for drink driving and three for drug driving. Two of those arrested for drug driving had also failed to stop for police.

Inspector Wes Watkins said: “The majority of drivers checked this weekend were not committing any offences and we would like to thank the public for their co-operation as we carry out our checks. Road safety is a priority for Devon & Cornwall Police and we will continue to remind road users that consuming alcohol and drugs before you get behind the wheel is not acceptable.

“Your vehicle must be roadworthy and we will continue to crack down on any risky behaviour by drivers that puts them or other road users in danger. This may also include offences such as speeding or using a mobile phone behind the wheel.

“More days of action are planned this year and we work closely with partners to decrease the level of serious and fatal road incidents and save lives.”