Take extra care on the roads when making essential journeys

In recent weeks, we've had a number of calls from concerned members of the public regarding speeding and reckless driving in their communities. 

We appreciate that there might be a minority of drivers who may be taking advantage of quieter roads and using this as an opportunity to drive at excess speed.

During these unprecedented times, it is important to stress that we all have a collective responsibility to avoid putting more strain on the emergency services.

If you must make an essential journey, please take extra care on the roads. The speed limit is there for a reason and it is important to ensure you are driving within the limit at all times, and safely for the conditions.

Supt Gavin Williams said: "At these times of great uncertainty, the emergency services are all experiencing a high level of demand. Please do not add to this by making unnecessary journeys in your car or driving in an anti-social manner which could increase the risk of being involved in a collision that would put additional strain on the NHS.

"The Government guidance is clear - you should only be leaving your house, and therefore using your vehicle, if it is essential to do so.

"With fewer vehicles on our roads, we are aware that some people may attempt to exploit this opportunity to drive at excess speed. It may also be tempting when driving on familiar roads that may be quieter than usual to take it for granted and become complacent. Please always take extra care regardless of how many times you drive a route, as conditions can be different every time, so read the road ahead and anticipate potential hazards. 

"Our Roads Policing Unit will continue to conduct patrols across the county aimed at discouraging this type of behaviour and enforcing the law in the same way the public would expect us to."

Over the next few weeks, our local Community Policing Teams will also be making this one of their areas of focus with regular patrols on our main roads and rural areas.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon Jerry Herbert added: "I am frequently asked about speeding when I attend area boards and council meetings - it is clearly a concern for a number of Wiltshire residents. 

"It is reassuring to hear that despite these concerns, incidents of speeding do not appear to have increased during this period of lockdown.

"I am pleased to hear that officers are continuing to conduct regular patrols across the county to ensure those making essential journeys are using the roads safely. This demonstrates that Wiltshire Police are committed to targeting individuals who drive at excess speed and they will always act on information passed from the local community, so if you have concerns about a specific area, please do get in touch."

For the latest government advice on what is classed as an essential journey, please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/news/covid-19-essential-travel-guidance 

You can report non-urgent matters on the Wiltshire Police website or by calling 101. Only call 999 in an emergency.