Officers target fatal five as part of road safety operation

Officers stopped more than 30 motorists as part of a road safety operation in Winsford focusing on driving offences.

The operation took place on Winsford High Street on Tuesday 14 December following concerns raised by local residents.

The operation was led by officers from Northwich Local Policing Unit, with support from Special Constables and officers the Cheshire Roads Policing Unit. 

The focus was to target motorists under the fatal five offences, including speeding, drink and drug driving, using a mobile phone at the wheel, careless driving and not wearing a seat belt.

As part of the operation, spotters were deployed at key locations across the town and officers subsequently stopped any offending motorists. 

In total, 31 motorists were stopped by officers – of those 15 were issued fixed penalty notices for variety of offences including speeding and driving without a seatbelt. 

In addition, a wanted man was also arrested one Vehicle Defect Rectification Scheme notice was issued for a cracked windscreen.

31 roadside breath tests were also completed, as well as one drugs wipe – thankfully all of the tests were negative.

Police Constable Ed Whalley, of Northwich Local Policing Unit, said: “I hope that this operation acts as a timely reminder to motorists and passengers alike.

“The rules of the road are there for a reason and when you deliberately ignore them, you not only put yourself at risk, but you also those of innocent members of the public – you also risk the possibility of being arrested if you are caught.

"The message is simply – slow down, pay attention, wear your seat belt, put your phone down, don’t drink or drug drive and make sure that your vehicle is safe for the roads."

Chief Inspector Gary Smith added: “This operation was a great initiative to help address issues raised by local residents and I hope that it reassures them that we are listening to their concerns.

“While the operation has concluded, this is not the end and I would like to assure the community that we are committed to doing all that we can to make Winsford’s roads safer.”