MORE than 20 people were arrested in May as part of a police operation in Devon and Cornwall. 

The force roads policing unit carried out Operation Vortex which aims to reduce the number of collisions and casualties on the roads by targeting dangerous and inconsiderate driving.

Officers stopped 231 vehicles and made 21 arrests during the month long operation for various offences. 

These included 84 speeding offences, including six drivers travelling at over 97mph.

A further 1,580 speeding offences were detected by the Safety Camera Unit.

Officers also found 42 vehicles being driven without valid insurance and/or MOT.

There were 24 mobile phone offences, four drivers driving while disqualified, four drivers not wearing a seatbelt, 15 under the influence of drink or drugs and 12 driving without due care.

Motor Patrol Constable Richie Roome said: ‘Op Vortex is a proactive operation that targets aspects of dangerous driving that puts others at risk. 

‘This includes the ‘fatal five’ - careless driving, drink and drug driving, failing to wear seatbelts, distracted driving (such as using a mobile phone or tablet at the wheel), and speeding - which all play a big part in the collisions we see in our force area.

‘We hope that the results of this operation reassure our communities that we’re committed to removing dangerous drivers from our roads and keeping people safe.’

Drivers caught committing offences could receive a fine and points on their licence, a court appearance or even imprisonment for more serious offences.

Constable Roome added: ‘We would like to take this opportunity to remind drivers to take extra care on the roads and to take more time to look out for other road users.’

Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said: ‘While families continue to be devastated by the deaths of their loved ones due to inconsiderate and dangerous driving, I will wholeheartedly support the police in robust enforcement of road traffic laws.

‘I hope that those who choose to endanger the lives of others consider the fact that they will be caught and may well find themselves behind bars.’