DURING the weekend of January 22 and 23, police were out in force on Island roads as part of a proactive operation targeting poor driving behaviours.

The activity was carried out over the weekend, and a number of notable actions were taken against drivers flouting the law.

On Saturday 22, there were 26 tickets issued for several road-related offences.

These offences were as follows:

  • 10 tickets for speeding
  • Two tickets for illegal number plates
  • One ticket for an incorrectly fitted breakaway cable
  • Four tickets were issued to drivers who weren’t wearing seatbelts
  • One ticket was issued for driving without a licence
  • One ticket was issued for a vehicle that was not roadworthy
  • One ticket was issued for an untaxed vehicle
  • Two tickets were issued to uninsured vehicles
  • One ticket was issued to a vehicle with an insecure load
  • One ticket for a vehicle parked on zig-zags at a pelican crossing
  • Two tickets for cars using altered exhausts

In addition, police teams also assisted at the site of a collision involving a tractor.

On Sunday 23, a further 23 tickets were issued to drivers, for the following offences:

  • Two tickets were issued to drivers not wearing seatbelts
  • One ticket was issued for an uninsured vehicle
  • One ticket was issued to a motorcyclist with a tinted visor
  • 19 tickets were issued for speeding, including one driver prosecuted for driving almost double the speed limit

A 22-year-old man was arrested in St Georges Way in Newport on suspicion of drug driving.

He has been released but remains under investigation while enquiries continue.

At 9pm on Sunday, police came across a vehicle in a hedge along Quarr Abbey Lane, and the driver was subsequently arrested and charged.

Beverley Morris, 31, of Wilton Park Road in Shanklin, was charged with drink driving and was bailed to appear at Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court on February 11.

Following the weekend’s activity, district commander for the Isle of Wight, Superintendent Jim Pegler, said: “The policing of dangerous and poor standards of driving, committed by motorists on the Isle of Wight road network, is something that I will continue to focus on to improve safety for road users.

“I am pleased that we have been able to take action against people who have failed to meet the required standards of safety on our roads.

“If you are driving a vehicle on the Isle of Wight, my strong advice is that you pay attention to the condition of your vehicle, have the required documentation, and drive carefully with consideration for other road users.

“Choosing not to do so can have serious consequences and puts lives in danger, including your own. It is not worth the risk.”