Police Continue Easter Roads Crackdown And Catch A3 Driver Doing 130mph

Published on: 12 Apr, 2020
Updated on: 16 Apr, 2020

Some drivers are still taking advantage of near-deserted roads on unnecessary journeys and at high speed, Surrey police have reported. One driver was caught at 130mph on the A3 on Tuesday (April 7) and reported to court.

Motorists flouting the government’s restrictions on non-essential travel, especially during the fine Easter weather, are putting added strain on emergency services. Conscientious citizens have reported several incidents of antisocial driving, despite fewer vehicles on our roads.

Movement restrictions under The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) England Regulations 2020 were enacted to specifically reduce all unnecessary travel and the associated risks on the roads. This reduces demand and pressure on the emergency services, including the National Health Service, so resources can be focused on combating coronavirus and saving lives.

Chief Inspector Michael Hodder, of the Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit, said: “We are hugely appreciative of most people who are staying at home and avoiding unnecessary trips.

“We’ve seen a dramatic reduction in the number of vehicles on our roads which shows people are taking government advice on board. But even with less traffic on the roads, we continue to receive reports of vehicles travelling in excess of the speed limit.

“The volume of traffic may have changed but the law on roads policing, including speeding, hasn’t, and we’ll continue to crack down to keep everyone as safe as possible on our roads.

“I can’t emphasise enough the need to be aware of the ‘fatal four’ offences, speeding, drink and drug-driving, mobile phone use and not wearing a seatbelt. Year after year, these are the four most common causes of fatal and serious injury collisions in the UK.

“It’s more important now than ever, when hospitals are already stretched to their limits, that people take responsibility and do not increase the burden on the NHS or other emergency services. So please take note. Stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.”

Under government regulations, you should leave the house only for very limited purposes:

Shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible;
One form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle, alone or with members of your household;
Any medical need, including to donate blood, avoid or escape risk of injury or harm, or to provide care for or help a vulnerable person; and
Travelling for work purposes, but only where you cannot work from home.

Police will continue to engage with people to explain the importance of following the government guidance, to protect public health and the NHS.

If faced with non-compliance officers will, if necessary and proportionate, follow up with enforcement action as set out in the new legislation.