Officers from Devon, Cornwall and Dorset’s Road Policing Team are mounting a week-long campaign, targeting drivers of all types of vehicles who flout road traffic laws on roads.

Operation Vortex targets poor, inconsiderate and complacent driving across the region and aims to reduce the number of collisions and casualties on our roads.

A team of officers will be carrying out patrols in unmarked vehicles and on motorcycles on various roads across Devon and Cornwall from today, April 18.

Officers will be observing driver behaviour and dealing with all offences they find. Sergeant Gary Williamson of the Road Policing Team said: ’We are working hard to reduce the number of people killed and injured on our roads. The figures to September last year showed there were 44 people killed and nearly 600 seriously injured on our roads.

’It is well known that the ‘Fatal Four’ all contribute to the causes of these collisions; namely drink driving, excessive or inappropriate speed, not wearing your seat belt and using mobile devices whilst driving.

’Our aim is to ensure that the minority of road users who commit these offences are caught and dealt with appropriately.’

Vortex will be taking place on roads across the region, including the M5, A38, A30 and the A380. Drivers caught will face the prospect of a fine and points on their licence, a court appearance and even imprisonment for more serious offences.

Vortex aims to not only deal with road offences, but to also educate the public and road users on the possibly life-changing outcome that their poor driving habits could lead to.