Police in Devon launch operation to target motorists flouting the rules.

MOTORISTS in Devon will be the target of a road safety campaign being rolled out by Devon and Cornwall Constabulary. Operation Vortex, which is being staged on March 18 and April 2, will target motorists who flout road traffic laws.

Police are launching the campaign in response to an increase in injuries resulting from road traffic collisions in the area.

Primary routes in and around the force area will be the focus of officers, who will be in unmarked patrol vehicles equipped with recording equipment.

Officers will be targeting poor driver behaviour, mobile phone and device use, not wearing seat belts, drink driving and excessive speed.

The last operation ran from 19-30 July 2010 and saw more than 200 offences dealt with by the team, primarily for excess speed, mobile device use and no seat belt, all major contributors to injury collisions on our roads.

Inspector Richard Pryce, Roads Policing Unit, who leads on Operation Vortex for the force said: “We want the motoring public to know that in spite of the cuts being made, we are not going to ease up when it comes to keeping people from harm on the roads and this is an identified priority in our communities.

“Our intention is to make everyone think constantly about their driving behaviour, not just when a marked police car, static camera or speed detection van is in sight. Those who drive responsibly and do not flout the law have nothing to fear.”

Punishments vary from receiving a warning to a fixed penalty ticket or a court appearance.