I make no apologies for my officers enforcing legislation to keep roads safe - Arrests made in 'Op Shoal'

A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, theft of a motor vehicle and failing to stop during a Fleetwood Police road safety crackdown.

He’s since been released under investigation, pending further enquiries and was one of eight people arrested for driving offences during the week-long Op Shoal campaign.

It was conducted to make roads safer by targeting people who drive dangerously, too fast, drive illegally and use the roads for criminal activity.

During the week, 33 TORs (Traffic Offence Reports) were given out focusing on the ‘Fatal Five’ offences - speeding, drink or drug driving, improper seatbelt use, using mobile phones, and careless or dangerous driving.

Of the eight arrests, five were for impaired driving. Eight vehicles were seized for document offences and five people were stop searched.

Chief Inspector John Jennings-Wharton, of the Road Policing Unit, said: “I was at one of the check sites and spoke with several members of the public who were really impressed with our activity. A motorist committed an offence right in front of us - the drivers who saw it happen pulled over and thanked us for dealing with the offending driver.

“One of the arrests was a driver who was requested to stop at a check site on South Strand but refused to do so and sped off.

“He then collided with a motorcyclist, with the rider of the motorcycle suffering a fractured leg.

“The driver then fled the scene of the collision before abandoning his car some distance away.

“Our police dog unit, the police helicopter and Specialist Operations officers tracked the driver to an address where he was arrested.”

“This robust activity will continue every week whilst we reduce harm to people on the roads of Lancashire and target those who cause the most harm.

“I make no apologies for my officers enforcing legislation which is there to keep the community safe on our roads.”