MORE than 30 people were arrested during a four-day road safety operation by police.

Devon & Cornwall Police recently carried out a high visibility operation called Op Lockspring, the purpose of which was to reduce the number of collisions on the roads and to educate the public about the importance of driving safely.

During the four-day operation, 33 arrests were made and 252 people were caught speeding.

Motor Patrol Sergeant, Ben Balsdon, who led the operation, said: ‘This operation has been a considerable success.

‘Various policing teams were involved and many interventions were successfully completed, with a number of people receiving roadside advice and, where necessary, penalty tickets and fines.

‘We were able to carry out drugs and alcohol testing on the roadside, so could very quickly ascertain whether a person was safe to drive.

‘The vast majority of road users in Devon and Cornwall are safe, responsible and respectful – and I would urge everyone to consider the implications of not driving or riding safely and what can happen when you don’t.

‘The last thing our officers want to do is knock on any door and have to tell a family a loved one isn’t coming home.

‘Whilst police and partners can educate and enforce around road safety, it is the responsibility of all road users to ensure they drive responsibly, both for their own safety and that of other people’.

Last year saw an increase in serious and fatal collisions, with 59 people losing their lives on our region’s roads. Research has shown that those who have been involved in one or more of Fatal Five offences are significantly more likely to be involved in a serious or fatal collision.

For general road safety advice, visit the dedicated page on the force website: https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/fatalfive