Drivers face fresh crackdown as police force launches 'increased action' against motorists

One of the largest police forces in the UK is taking fresh action to crack down on motorists who break road rules.

Thames Valley Police has announced the launch of its new Roads Policing Unit (RPU) Tasking Team, which officially launched yesterday (February 16).

The new team is designed to "tackle harm" on the roads across the region and deliver road safety benefits to all users.

The RPU Tasking Team will take an "evidence-based approach to identifying and addressing the areas of greatest risk".

Officers, who will operate across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire, will respond to emerging threats that cause the most harm.

The evidence-based approach follows a review of current trends, collision data, intelligence and emerging threats.

Inspector Simon Hills, from the Roads Policing Unit, said the primary focus of the team would be "proactive roads policing and enforcement".

Once the team receives information, they will be deployed to these locations to address potentially dangerous behaviours and offences.

Inspector Hills said the public should expect to see the Roads Policing Unit Tasking Team engage in "increased action" against rulebreakers.

He continued, saying: "The team will be using all available enforcement options at their disposal in order to effectively target those road users who choose to put themselves and others at risk through dangerous, impaired or irresponsible driving.

"Taskings will be set through our internal processes, ensuring that deployments are always rooted in intelligence, robust data, and a clear understanding of where intervention is needed most."

The officer also confirmed that individuals known to the police through intelligence would also be targeted.

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This will be done to crack down on the most serious road offences, including drink or drug driving.

Inspector Hills said the Tasking Team would be "better equipped than ever to prevent danger and save lives".

It comes as the Government aims to kickstart a national crackdown on dangerous drivers with the launch of the new Road Safety Strategy - the first national programme in a decade.

Through the new measures included in the Road Safety Strategy, the Government aims to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Britain's roads by 65 per cent by 2035.

A further stretch target has also been confirmed to slash the number of deaths and serious injuries involving children under 16 by 70 per cent.

Labour has launched five consultations relating to road safety measures with the hopes of cutting dangers and improving safety.

Measures included in the Road Safety Strategy include introducing tougher punishments for motoring offences, lowering the drink-drive limit, launching mandatory eye tests for elderly drivers and requiring learner drivers to have a minimum learning period.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy that devastates families and communities. For too long, progress on road safety has stalled. This strategy marks a turning point."