Police Commissioner backs public’s top priority and pledges to get tough on road

Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner Hardyal Dhindsa has congratulated road safety teams for their success in a new enforcement campaign – pledging to support any safety scheme that addresses the public’s number one priority.

The Commissioner said speeding was an issue raised week after week at his engagement meetings throughout Derbyshire, which is why road safety had now become one of his top priorities. 

The PCC recently joined teams across the county conducting enforcement as part of Operation Brake.

The activity was part of Road Safety Week, which took place between November 16 and 22, and targeted speeding motorists. 

Data released by Derbyshire Police shows just under 1,000 offences were recorded on the county’s roads during the operation. 

Roads policing officers captured 361 offences and issued 226 verbal warnings/advice while 135 fixed penalty notices were handed out. 

Of the speeding offences, 302 were committed in a 30mph limit, 58 in a 40mph limit and one in a 70mph limit.  

Special Constables detected 53 offences, issuing 24 verbal warnings/advice and 29 fixed penalty notices, and CREST – the county’s Casualty Reduction Enforcement Team – detected 562 offences (377 in 30mph limits, 68 in 40mph limits and 117 in 50mph limits).

Mr Dhindsa said: “I have nothing but praise for the officers across the county who took part in this week of enforcement to tackle what is a top concern for local people.

“Speeding causes misery for residents and puts the lives of pedestrians and other drivers in danger.  I’m determined to make our roads safer by supporting these kinds of schemes and investing in tried and tested prevention measures that support the work of the police and road safety teams. 

“As I’ve said previously, this week was predominantly about education and raising awareness of the dangers of driving too fast.  It is not about punishing people who have only slightly broken the speed limit nor is it about making money. 

“The nights have already drawn in and there will be many more obstacles to contend with this winter including ice and snow.  The small changes we make to adjust accordingly really will help us to save lives.”

Inspector Greg Hunt, who leads the Roads Policing Unit, said: “As a force we are extremely pleased with the successful outcome of this operation.   Each day, road collisions cause devastation to victims, families and communities across our county and often they could have been easily prevented.

“This work has placed emphasis on drivers who are committing speeding offences, which could lead to someone being seriously hurt or killed.  By enforcing and educating the road users of Derbyshire, on the impact and risks involved in driving at excessive speeds, we are safeguarding our streets and keeping others from harm.