Dorset Police news site

A targeted road safety operation was carried out to prevent road traffic collisions occurring along a beauty hotspot road in West Dorset.

Between 2020 and 2024, there were 95 road traffic collisions on the B3157 between Chickerell and Bridport.

Along this stretch of road, the number of motorcyclists involved in collisions is disproportionately higher than the proportion of motorbikes on the roads. In addition to this, 81 per cent of the collisions involving motorbikes resulted in a serious injury to the rider, whereas only 24 per cent of other vehicle users sustained any serious injuries.

On Sunday 6 April 2025, specialist roads policing officers teamed up with No Excuse officers, the Camera Safety Team, the Drone Team and vehicle examiners in a bid to crackdown on poor driving on the B3157.

They were also joined by dedicated Community Speed Watch (CSW) volunteers, who gave up their time to work together in bringing down the speed of motorists.

During the day, a total of 34 motorists were dealt with for driving over the speed limit, with one of the highest speeds recorded of 75 mph in a 50 mph zone.

17 vehicles were stopped under section 163 of the Road Traffic Act and were given education on how to improve their road safety.

A 22-year-old man from Northampton was arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit through drugs and they have been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Sergeant Gareth Thomas, of the No Excuse Team, said: “With the weather improving and visitors beginning to head to Dorset for the holidays, we wanted to send a clear message to all road users to drive sensibly.

“The B3157 is a notoriously beautiful and scenic road that we want everyone to enjoy responsibly. Along the 17-mile stretch of road, there are no national speed limit sections and the speed limit regularly changes, requiring all motorists to be alert and drive carefully.

“We have listened to feedback from our communities who live in the villages along the road and hopefully this operation demonstrates that we have taken their concerns on board and will continue in our efforts to drive down any dangerous motoring behaviours.

“This operation gave us an opportunity to use different tactics to identify anyone not driving within the law. Our drone was able to spot a motorcycle being ridden carelessly from the sky, with officers on the ground nearby able to stop the vehicle and provide education and enforcement.

“I would like to thank everyone involved for making the operation a great success – all activity such as this is invaluable in helping to prevent serious or fatal road traffic collisions in Dorset.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “I was delighted to join our Roads Policing Team for this important operation, aiming to enforce and educate road users on the risks of dangerous driving including speeding and other offences.

“While enforcement is a powerful tool in our armour when it comes to keeping our roads safe, education and advice are also vital measures. My thanks go to all the officers, staff, and volunteers in our Roads Policing Team for their continued hard work as well as the dedicated Community Speed Watch volunteers who do such a great job across the county, and our partners for helping to ensure Dorset’s roads are some of the safest in the country.

“Dangerous driving will not be tolerated in Dorset, and I urge all road users to make sure they are abiding by the law – or you will face the consequences.”