Devon & Cornwall Police recently carried out an operation in St Austell following concerns raised by the local community about dangerous driving in the area. Two police vans equipped with high-tech cameras were deployed to prime locations on roads with speed limits of 20, 30, 40 and 60mph.

Neighbourhood police were joined by the road safety team in an effort to deter drivers from exceeding the limit and to keep people safe. In the few hours of activity, 113 vehicles were recorded going above the enforcement threshold. 

“Speeding can kill. Whether you hurt yourself, another road user or a pedestrian – your actions can have severe consequences,” said Police Inspector Simon Andrews.

“That’s why operations like these are so important, especially when communities tell the police that they have real concerns about road safety in a particular neighbourhood. We know this doesn’t solve the issue completely, but we hope our presence has meant road users will be more considerate of their speed. I’d also like to thank the majority of drivers who kept to the speed limit.

“These types of operations can receive a bad reception, but if the consequence of deploying a speed camera van on the road means our actions will save a life now or in the future, then it’s absolutely worth it.”

Inspector Andrews added: “Our officers will continue to deploy speed camera vans in new locations at different times of day. If you have any concerns about speeding, please come forward and report them to us. We’re taking robust action to keep our roads safe.”

(Pic: Road Safety Support)