Cars seized and arrests made in crackdown on speeding in South Yorkshire

Officers were out in force on the streets of South Yorkshire in a day of action focusing on speeding and criminals using the roads.

During the day, 173 vehicles were stopped for either speeding through a check site or as part of a routine stop.

A total of 42 drivers were given verbal warnings for their driving, 36 were issued Traffic Offence Reports and eight vehicles were seized.

Another 14 drivers were given prohibition notices to ensure their cars are roadworthy and safe.

At a community speedwatch site on Doncaster Road in Braithwell, Rotherham, where officers were supported by local councillors and volunteers to carry out checks, 37 vehicles were clocked breaking the 30mph speed limit on that stretch of road.

A 38-year-old woman was arrested in Rotherham on suspicion of possession with intent to supply after being found with Class A drugs in her car.

And two men, aged 34 and 50, were arrested on suspicion of burglary after following a fail to stop for officers in a stolen car.

Superintendent Paul McCurry, who led the operation, said: “Some people believe that speeding operations are about authorities making money, this is certainly not the case.

“Speed destroys lives. The latest national figures show that speed was a contributing factor in 187 deaths on UK roads during 2018. If we can change drivers behaviour, we can create safer roads.”

In addition to tackling speeding motorists, the day was also an opportunity for officers to intercept criminals using the roads network for criminal, including the movement of drugs and cash.

Supt McCurry added: “One of the main priorities for roads policing officers is to disrupt organised crime.

“Those who use our roads for criminal activity are more likely to drive without the correct licence and insurance.

“By carrying out routine checks and patrols we are able to intercept these offenders and quite often a routine stop can be the first step in disrupting organised crime.”