More than 3,000 West Midlands motorists caught committing dangerous driving offences in just six months
West Midlands Police is urging drivers to think before putting lives at risk as new figures reveal 3,000 dangerous driving offences in just six months.
New figures released by West Midlands Police have shown that in just six months, 3,300 motorists were caught committing dangerous driving offences across the region.
The offences come as the force revealed that July is one of the worst months for deadly collisions in the UK, with officers supporting Operation Spotlight, a national campaign focused on cracking down on the 'Fatal Four' offences and the worst driving behaviour on our roads.
The 'Fatal Four' offences include driving under the influence of drink or drugs, using a mobile phone while driving, speeding and not wearing a seatbelt.
Since the start of the year, West Midlands Police has:
Arrested 1,127 people for drink or drug driving.
Caught over 1,000 drivers on handheld speed guns.
Stopped 931 drivers for using a mobile phone behind the wheel.
Found 113 not wearing a seatbelt.
The force said that officers across the region have been carrying out targeted operations daily to deal with those who flaunt the rules of the road.
In April, West Midlands Police signed a joint Working Agreement together with the seven local authorities, the West Midlands Combined Authority and the Police and Crime Commissioner.
The agreement makes it easier to install new cameras to catch speeding drivers, while also bringing a consistent approach to speed enforcement across the region.
Goal to reduce road deaths by 50 per cent by 2030 in the West Midlands
Head of the West Midlands Police roads policing unit, Gareth Mason, said: "Every time you get behind the wheel, you're making choices that could save a life, or take one. It's that serious.
"Speeding, texting at the wheel, driving after a few drinks, these aren't harmless habits. They are risks that can change lives in an instant."
In the West Midlands, the force has set a goal to reduce the number of road deaths and serious injuries by 50 per cent by 2030 and to zero by 2040.
Mr Mason added: "We see the devastating impact of these choices far too often. That's why we're urging everyone to take responsibility, not just for their own safety, but for everyone around them.
"A few seconds of patience, a little extra care, and a clear head can make all the difference. Driving safely isn't just about avoiding a fine or points on your licence. It's about getting home to your family, and making sure others do too."
"Our officers are out on patrol on the roads, day or night, looking for those who think the rules don't apply to them. If you take the chance behind the wheel, you can expect to be caught and face severe consequences."
