Wiltshire Police Speed Enforcement Officers intercepted 88 speeding drivers within just 50 minutes on January 8 during targeted checks in Swindon. The operation took place along Holly Cross and Queens Drive between 10:35 a.m. and 11:25 a.m., where officers recorded numerous vehicles exceeding the 30 mph speed limit.
The highest speed recorded was 58 mph, almost double the legal limit. Following the enforcement effort, 77 drivers have been offered speed awareness courses, nine face fines and penalty points, and two will be summoned to court.
Road Safety Supervisor Sarah Holden emphasized the dangers of speeding, especially in areas with lower speed limits designed to protect residents and pedestrians. She said, “Speeding continues to be one of the leading causes of serious and fatal road collisions. It is alarming to see drivers ignoring speed limits in 30 mph zones, which exist to ensure everyone’s safety.”
This crackdown follows a similar incident on December 29 at St Luke’s School on Cricklade Road, where a driver was found traveling at 54 mph in a 30 mph zone during the school holidays. Ms. Holden remarked on the seriousness of risking lives in areas where children and families are present.
Wiltshire Police also noted that any footage captured during these operations will be reviewed for additional offenses, including failure to wear seatbelts and mobile phone use while driving—two of the ‘fatal five’ dangerous behaviors that significantly increase the risk of crashes.
Speed Enforcement Officers, who work daily across Wiltshire and Swindon, continue their commitment to lowering speeding incidents and enhancing road safety for all.