Newton Abbot police target driving offences and crime on roads

Since 29th May 2017 Response Officers based in Newton Abbot have been running a road traffic and roads policing operation targeting anti-social and dangerous drivers as well as removing criminals from the area’s road network.

Operation Falcon has so far detected 49 offences and between the 10– 14th July 2017 146 vehicles were detected exceeding the speed limit in a joint Safety Camera Partnership operation.

Sergeant John Henley said: “A recent day of action on the South Devon Highway (bypassing the former A380 between Newton Abbot and Torbay) was designed to target those choosing to flaunt the speed limits along this stretch of road which we understand is causing a lot of concern within the local community.

“This day has been a great success and there will be more to follow. We would like to urge drivers to be mindful of speed limits when driving as excessive speed is one of the driving behaviours which most commonly leads to collisions which cause death or serious injury.”

Amongst the offences detected and penalties given were:

Fixed penalties for speeding at 66mph and 70mph on South Devon Highway, and a fixed penalty for having no Insurance, and a car seized in Newton Abbot.

One driver was reported for having no insurance, no valid M.O.T., for driving other than in accordance with the law and their car was seized.

Police Warnings were given for undertaking on the A380 and for antisocial driving in Sainsbury’s car park at Penn Inn.

Finally in Paignton, a driver failed stop when required to do so by police. The vehicle was later located and the driver fled and was subsequently located and arrested for dangerous driving.

Sgt Henley added: “We would like to remind everyone in our local communities to report dangerous driving or other offences to us through our local website page here www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/your-area/teams/Newton-Abbot-East/Overview or by emailing 101@dc.police.uk marked for the attention of Newton Abbot Response and including as much detail as you can.

“It is these sorts of concerns and reports that have led us to set up Op Falcon.”