YOUNG drivers who put people's lives at risk, as well as their own, by driving dangerously or acting antisocially behind the wheel are being targeted in a crackdown by police. This week Devon and Cornwall Constabulary launched a campaign aimed at rooting out these drivers in the two counties. There is an increase in drivers copying what they have watched on television or at the cinema, speeding or performing stunts. They are highly dangerous under controlled conditions but on public roads they can be lethal, ending in tragic circumstances. Not only can this behaviour result in crashes causing serious injury but sometimes it can cost lives, said a police spokesman. It also affects the quality of life of residents through the dangers created and noise from high revving engines, tyres squealing, customised exhausts and music blaring from the vehicles. Now police have launched Operation Regency, in which officers are using both marked and unmarked police vehicles, in an attempt to nip the problem in the bud. They are reminding drivers who step out of line that they can receive a warning and subsequently have their vehicle seized if they continue to drive in an antisocial manner. Those caught driving dangerously can face a heavy fine, disqualification or up to two years imprisonment. Highly targeted police speed checks are being carried out, some of them in locations not always obvious to drivers. Working alongside the police are vehicle examiners who will ensure cars that have been modified comply the law. Those that have not could be prohibited from use on the road until fixed. Modifications can also affect insurance cover and checks are being made to ensure requirements are met. During Operation Regency, a team of specialist traffic officers are visiting locations where substantial complaints about driving behaviour have been received. Insp Richard Pryce, of the force's traffic department, said despite their efforts to educate them, a minority of young motorists seemed to believe it was acceptable to drive dangerously and antisocially on the road. 'It clearly is not and, from complaints and collisions we attend, the problem is getting worse. 'Reducing death and injury on the road is achievable through a responsible driving attitude. We will target those young drivers and their cars who persistently flout laws. They will be removed from the road, to improve the safety of others, he said. 'There have been a number of crashes recently where people have been killed or seriously injured as a result of young and inexperienced motorists travelling at high speed. 'These incidents could have been entirely avoidable if a more responsible attitude had been taken,' said Insp Pryce. The traffic officers are working with neighbourhood officers. Anyone who has information about motorists persistently driving dangerously or antisocially is asked to contact their neighbourhood policing team via the central switchboard number on 08452 777444.
