Police clock 113 drivers speeding during crackdown

Jack SilverBBC News, South West
News imageDevon and Cornwall Police A man in a high visibility police jacket and cap points a hand-held speed gun at a wet road.Devon and Cornwall Police
Police vans with high-tech speed cameras were placed at various locations around the St Austell area

Police recorded 113 people speeding in a "few hours" during an operation in Cornwall.

Two police vans equipped with high-tech cameras were deployed to various locations around the St Austell area, following concerns from residents about dangerous driving.

The road safety team joined neighbourhood police to "try to deter drivers from speeding and to keep people safe", police said.

"Speeding can kill" said Insp Simon Andrews. "That's why operations like these are so important".

He said the force officers hoped their presence meant "road users would be more considerate of their speed".

Insp Andrews said operations like this could "receive a bad reception", but would be "absolutely worth it" if they saved a life now or in the future.

News imageDevon and Cornwall Police A colour speed camera points through the back window of a van.Devon and Cornwall Police
Speeding is one of the "fatal five" causes of road deaths and serious injuries

Fatal five

There are five main causes of serious injuries and deaths on the county's roads - known as the fatal five. They are:

  • Speeding
  • Not wearing a seatbelt
  • Driver distraction (including using a mobile phone)
  • Drink or drug driving
  • Careless and inconsiderate driving

The minimum penalty for speeding is a £100 fine and three points added to your licence.

Getting 12 points in a three year period can lead to a driving ban, or six points for newly-qualified drivers.

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