More than 800 Speeding Drivers Caught Under New Safer Roads Initiative

A new road safety initiative aimed at tackling dangerous driving in residential and rural communities has already identified nearly 850 speeding motorists across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The initiative, funded by Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Donna Jones, supports two specialist Roads Policing motorcyclists equipped with portable speed cameras. Their smaller, more agile vehicles allow officers to monitor roads that traditional speed camera vans cannot access.

Police say the approach is part of a wider, targeted effort to reduce casualties by focusing on community-identified hotspots where collisions and near-misses have caused concern.

“These motorbikes mean we can finally get officers into those hard-to-reach roads that our speed camera vans are just too big for,” said PS Jamie Dobson, Road Safety Sergeant for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary Roads Policing Unit. “This new collaborative approach is targeting specific roads our residents have raised concerns about, and some of the recorded speeds we have already seen have been alarmingly high.”

Dobson said the project is built around both enforcement and problem-solving, combining data analysis, neighbourhood intelligence and joint work with local partners.

“Sadly, our teams see every day the devastating impact that collisions have on those involved, and the ripple effect that has on communities — whether that is due to speeding, drink or drugs, no seatbelts or inattention,” he said. “We want everyone to feel safe on all roads, whether that is driving to work, dropping your children off at school, or just walking around your neighbourhood.”

He added that officers will continue to use a wide range of tactics to tackle dangerous driving.
“Our teams are out every day making our roads safer, but now we will have a particular focus and individualised plans for residential and rural areas, as well as our main arterial routes,” he said. “But while we will work around the clock to target motorists committing road-related offences, using a variety of tactics including drones, we know our work in isolation will not resolve the issues. That’s why we hope that this joined-up initiative, with the Police and Crime Commissioner and our partners taking the lead in other key areas to support our safer roads mission, will result in real results for our communities.”

The initiative is being rolled out during National Road Safety Week, with police saying the results so far highlight the scale of the issue.

In addition to the new patrols, the force says it continues to crack down on anti-social driving and illegal car meets. Over the past year, 54 cases have been sent to court, 76 drivers have received Fixed Penalty Notices, 69 penalty points have been issued and more than £13,000 in fines have been handed out under Op Chromium.

PCC Donna Jones said road safety remains one of the most frequent concerns raised by residents.
“Speeding and dangerous driving are one of the biggest concerns I hear from residents, especially in rural and residential areas,” she said. “Over 55% of people who responded to my Police and Crime Plan consultation told me tackling road safety must be a priority, and I’ve listened.”

Jones said the Safer Roads initiative strengthens the Roads Policing Unit and ensures officers can target the areas where the risks are greatest.
“The new Safer Roads initiative strengthens the Roads Policing Unit and means officers can now target the places where speeding, dangerous driving, and anti-social use of vehicles like illegal car meets are putting lives at risk and causing disruption to communities,” she said. “Every serious injury or death on our roads is one too many. This is about protecting families, saving lives, and making sure every road, from busy towns to quiet villages, is safer for everyone.”

Police say more locations will be added to the initiative as improvements are made in current hotspots, ensuring the scheme adapts to changing risks across the region.