New task force targeting dangerous drivers and criminal use of the roads
A new roads policing task force targeting the worst drivers and the most dangerous roads has been launched by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary.
The force has announced the creation of a new Roads Policing Tasking Team, designed to prioritise catching motorists committing the Fatal Five – the five offences responsible for the highest number of deaths and life-changing injuries on the region’s roads.
The move follows the force’s recent decision to adopt the Fatal Five approach, bringing it in line with many other police forces across the country. The policy expands the long-established Fatal Four offences by adding careless or inconsiderate driving.
The Fatal Five offences now include speeding, impairment through drink or drugs, distraction such as mobile phone use, not wearing a seatbelt, and careless or inconsiderate driving.
The new team will also carry out proactive operations at serious collision “hotspots” across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Officers can also be deployed to support other areas of policing where vehicles are being used in criminal activity.
Police Sergeant Stephen Phillips, who will lead the team, said too many lives had already been devastated by dangerous driving.
He said:
“Too many lives have been shattered by dangerous and careless drivers.
“If you are speeding, drink or drug driving, using your phone behind the wheel, or putting lives at risk with your careless or inconsiderate driving, understand this: we will find you, and we will stop you.
“Our new team is built to proactively and relentlessly target the worst driver behaviours in the most at-risk locations, and we will not hesitate to take dangerous drivers off the road.
“People in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight deserve to feel safe on their roads. That’s why this team will focus on the highest-harm offenders and the hotspots where the worst collisions happen.
“We could be anywhere in unmarked cars, so don’t take the risk. We will not stand by while reckless choices cost lives. If you endanger others, expect to see us.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones said road safety remained a key priority.
She said:
“One death on our roads is one too many. Younger and older drivers are particularly at risk, and careless driving is a common cause of incidents leading to death or serious injury.
“Tackling dangerous drivers on our roads is a constant challenge for our Roads Policing Unit, but the addition of this new Tasking Team and the Fatal Five approach will both play an important role in safer roads across our region.
“The actions of one person behind the wheel can have a devastating impact in a split second, which is why I am focused on making the roads across our two counties safer with more investment to support proactive roads policing.”