Operation tackles antisocial driving, Plymouth

A crackdown on antisocial driving in Plymouth saw police dish out 41 fines and take eight illegally-modified cars off the road in six hours on Saturday [11 July].

Officers also made three arrests and issued numerous formal and verbal warnings across the city as part of Op Alloy.   

The large-scale initiative, which ran from 6pm to midnight, was prompted by complaints from residents and councillors over road-related matters and car meets.

It was planned over several weeks and involved a host of police, ranging from neighbourhood teams and special constables to specialist officers and traffic units.

The operation aimed to send a message to motorists that antisocial, often dangerous, driving is never tolerated. Officers have warned it was not a one-off.

Stop sites were in Madeira Road, Union Street, Stonehouse Street, and the Coypool and Jennycliff areas.

Some 41 OSCOs [Officers Seen Condition Offer] were issued for a host of offences.

These included five for speeding, eight for number plate issues, and six for vehicles deemed to be in a dangerous condition.

Four drivers had no insurance, six were not wearing seatbelts and one had no licence.

Fines were also given to motorists using mobile phones, ignoring double white lines and one-way systems, and for cars with exhaust and lights defects.

Specially-trained officers issued eight prohibition orders over vehicles with illegal modifications.

The measure saw the cars taken off the road immediately and their owners tasked with organising their recovery and necessary repair work. 

A dozen Section 59 warnings were also dished out, meaning the offending vehicle will be seized if it is reported again within a year.  

Two people were arrested on suspicion of drink-driving and another on suspicion of driving while under the influence of drugs.

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