Officers from the Devon and Cornwall Police roads policing team are out again this week in unmarked cars targeting motorists who flout traffic laws.

Earlier in the month police were primarily targeting mobile phone use while driving.

Now officers are focusing on the fatal four offences: speed, seat-belts, driver distractions and driving while under the influence of drink or drugs.

Excess speed continues to be a problem, with a number of motorists stopped in the last few weeks for driving at speeds in excess of 95mph.  

At this time of the year, with worsening driving conditions, police want to ask drivers to be sensible, not to take unnecessary risks and be considerate to other road users.

For example, police stopped a motorbike doing a recorded speed of 142mph on the A38 near the Deep Lane junction, near Plympton. 

Roads Policing Inspector Pete Thomas said: ’There is no excuse for travelling at such ridiculous speeds. Public highways are not a racetrack. This behaviour is reckless and puts other road users and themselves at risk.’

Inspector Thomas said: ’We want people to have a safe and happy Christmas and I would be delighted if my staff have a quiet Christmas on the roads of Devon and Cornwall.’