Dorset Police news site

Prolific offenders have been taken off the roads after targeted activity was carried out by the Roads Policing Team and special constables.

Two intensification days took place on Tuesday 4 March and Wednesday 5 March 2025 covering the whole of the county to target motorists who are known to offend on the road.

The intelligence-based operation focused on catching Operation Dragoon targets, which includes individuals who refuse to modify their driving behaviour and fail to foresee the potential consequences of their actions.

A motorist is made a high-risk target if they have a recent substantial history of dangerous driving or failing to stop, a substantial drink or drug driving history, links to high level criminality and anyone who has increased dangerous driving behaviour despite earlier intervention.

Over the two days, eight motorists were arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence of drugs, with one arrest made for driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Nine vehicles were seized and taken off the road, keeping other road users safe.

A number of other traffic offences were dealt with, such as no insurance, parking on a pedestrian crossing, using a mobile phone while driving, no MOT and driving without due care and attention.

In the BCP area, an e-bike was seized after it had been adapted and was deemed unsafe.

There were significant stops made throughout the operation, including a student who was on route to college and was suspected to be under the influence of a class B drug.

In addition to this, a disqualified driver was stopped while on the school run having never held a full driving licence.

Inspector Joe Wheable, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “We have dedicated roads policing officers who actively engage with motorists and take steps to confront dangerous behaviour head on.

“Our drive is to ensure that anyone travelling on the roads of Dorset is safe and not at risk from other motorists.

“We know that driving while under the influence can often have devastating consequences and we will continue to crack down and take action against those believed to be a danger on the roads.

“We would like to thank the public for their ongoing support in reporting suspected prolific road offenders – your information is invaluable in keeping the county’s roads safe. If you have specific information relating to a suspected prolific road offender, contact us at www.dorset.police.uk to share your intelligence. If there is an immediate danger to road users, call 999.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick added: “I hope the success of this activity sends a clear message to those who think they can get away with dangerous driving in Dorset – you will be caught, and your vehicle will be seized.

“There is no excuse for these types of behaviours, and anyone who gets behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs not only puts themselves at risk of serious injury or worse but also others, and that is completely unacceptable.

“I commend the officers for their work in making our roads safer for everyone in Dorset and thank them for robustly reinforcing the message that we will not tolerate this reckless behaviour in our county.”