A RECENT road operation in Teignbridge by Devon & Cornwall Police resulted in five arrests and various charges as part of a safety campaign.

The operation, which also saw officers deployed across Torbay and South Hams, aimed to check driver behaviour and reduce the number of incidents which cause serious injury or even fatalities.

Bovey Tracey, Ivybridge and Torquay were targeted by several Special Constables, as well as Roads Policing and Patrol officers.

During the operation three drivers were arrested for drink driving and subsequently charged, one driver was arrested and charged for failing to stop and a further arrest took place for dangerous driving.

One driver was reported for having no licence, one driver was reported for speeding (average speed over 100mph) and three vehicles were identified as having defects.

Patrol Inspector Wes Watkins said: ‘On this occasion the vast majority of motorists were driving responsibly and lawfully and we thank them for that.

‘It is important to remind motorists across Devon and Cornwall that we are out and about taking action, especially as the evenings are getting dark, wet and cold which could lead to poor decisions being made when it comes to heading home after a night out.

‘Every day across the UK a number of people are killed on the roads and we want to reduce those incidents.’

Officers also apprehended a man wanted in relation to shoplifting and public order offences.

Drivers were given advice and reminded of the Fatal Five road safety campaign which aims to improve awareness about the five most common causes of deaths and serious injuries on our roads – distraction, including mobile phones; not wearing seatbelts; driving under the influence of drink and/or drugs; driving at inappropriate speeds and driver health issues, such as poor eyesight.

Further road traffic operations will take place in the coming months, Devon & Cornwall Police have said.