Police and partners carry out operation on the A303 at Andover

Officers have carried out a targeted roads policing operation along the A303 with the purpose of tackling offences and educating road users.

The operation took place on Monday, 14 February and saw officers from Joint Operations Unit work alongside colleagues from the Commercial Vehicle Unit, the Safety Camera Partnership and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

This was part of wider routine patrols along busy routes in the area.

All teams worked together to educate road users and tackle any offences, focusing on our Fatal Four campaign which aims to reduce the number of deaths on our roads by highlighting seatbelt safety, and the dangers of drink and drug driving, speeding and using mobile phones behind the wheel.

These are factors that we know contribute to the likelihood and severity of a significant number of collisions.

During the operation 47 motorists were caught speeding. The highest recorded speed was 93mph.

Approximately 15 commercial vehicles were pulled into the check site, with results as follows:

• A vehicle was prohibited by the DVSA as its suspension was defective, it had a failed prop shaft bearing, and was overweight.
• A driver was given advice on load securing.
• A driver was required to have an MOT re-test within three days due to having a corroded suspension.
• A driver was given advice with regards to having a corroded axle.
• A driver was given words of advice regarding a tachograph infringement.
• One negative breath test was conducted.
• One negative DrugWipe was conducted.

PC Jack Alexander, said: “The purpose of this operation was to provide public reassurance and visibility whilst working together with our partner agencies to deal with motorists for a variety of offences, and provide education where appropriate. We will continue to carry out our patrols along busy routes in the area.”

DVSA’s Director of Enforcement, Marian Kitson said: “DVSA’s priority is to protect everybody from unsafe drivers and vehicles.

“We were delighted to work alongside Hampshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Police to support this important roadside work. Our examiners’ expertise in vehicle inspections is critical to the success of these road safety checks.

“All motorists have a responsibility to ensure their vehicle is in a roadworthy condition before beginning a journey. We will continue to work with partners to help enforce that.”

Further Information:

Guide to maintaining roadworthiness: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-maintaining-roadworthiness 

The police and DVSA have the power to carry out spot checks on your vehicle and issue prohibitions if necessary or fixed penalty notices if necessary: https://www.gov.uk/roadside-vehicle-checks-for-commercial-drivers