Road safety vans funded by the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner have caught hundreds of drivers breaking the law.

Data, provided by the PCC shows between November 2022 and November 2023, the county’s Vision Zero Vans – staffed by special constables - covered some 15,000 miles, with 406 Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) issued for offences such as speeding, using mobile phones, seat belts and no insurance. 

The PCC invested £56k into three new marked police vans to enable the constables to take prompt action against motorists who break the law.

There was a further £15k for the replacement of equipment used by Community Speedwatch Scheme volunteers.

The investment forms part of the Commissioner’s commitment to the county’s road safety partnership, Vision Zero, to educate drivers so they are less likely to be involved in a serious or fatal collision.

Since the new vans have been deployed, special constable volunteers have:

Stopped 656 vehicles,

Breathalysed 275 drivers,

Attended 117 traffic incidents,

Made 17 arrests (for drink/drug driving offences),

Seized 30 vehicles for no insurance,

Completed 302 duties,

Committed 2,447 volunteer hours between five officers.

Mr Preston said: “Speeding and anti-social driving remain top priorities for the public. I know from my many meetings with villagers how seriously they can detract from people’s enjoyment of where they live and undermine their feelings of safety.

“Since I was elected, I have made it clear that dangerous and reckless driving will not be tolerated on our roads.

"I fully support the use of robust enforcement to ensure motorists face the full consequences of their actions, but it is equally important to me that we invest in awareness projects and education to prevent serious and fatal collisions happening in the first place and promote good driver behaviour.

“I am impressed with the work that has been achieved so far with the aid of these vans and the dedicated special constables who are staffing them."