AN operation to target speeding motorists and those using incorrect fuel took place over the weekend of June 23 and 24 on Dartmoor.

More than 200 vehicles were stopped and 33 reported for speeding as part of Operation Granite. The operation saw a large Special Constabulary-led policing operation take place last Saturday across Dartmoor National Park to help combat the causes of fatal and serious injury collisions, to help promote road safety by delivering ‘The Honest Truth’ campaign and to proactively disrupt criminality.

The police were supported by staff from the national park, Trading Standards, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue, and HMRC Road Fuels Team.

Operation Granite was conducted to combat the ‘fatal five’ which is excess speed, distraction, not wearing seatbelts, careless and inconsiderate driving, and impairment whether through drink or drugs.

Chief Superintendent Andy Turner from the Special Constabulary said: ‘With support from the Dartmoor National Park ranger, our resources, including members of the Safety Camera Partnership, were across Dartmoor to directly combat road offences in the area. We are here to stop and process vehicle users, both drivers and passengers who are breaking the law on our roads. All speeding misdemeanours will be enforced and could see those who break the law in court.

‘There is also a number of incidents within Dartmoor National Park where vehicles collide with livestock and we believe many of these could be avoided, so we are also here to educate drivers and encourage safe and slower driving throughout this picturesque area that attracts so many visitors throughout the year.’

Police added that to help educate the public on the dangers of speeding and unsafe driving practices, the Princetown Visitor Centre was also used to host stands from a number of partners including ‘The Honest Truth’ Road Safety campaign, plus a driving simulator to help educate the public on the dangers of excess speed.

Chief Supt Turner added: ‘Operation Granite has proved itself to be a very effective tool for improving road safety. It also gives us the opportunity to educate road users about unacceptable driving behaviours.’

Results from the operation:

• One vehicle was seized.

• 201 vehicles were stopped or detected during the operation.

• 50 drivers were reported for offences.

• 66 verbal warnings were given including relevant education.

• HMRC dipped the fuel tanks of 73 vehicles.

• The highest speed detected in 40mph was 57mph

During the operation, drivers were reported for the following offences:

• One Driving Offence (Due Care/Dangerous Driving)

• Five for exceeding 30mph speed limit

• 28 for exceeding 40mph speed limit

• Two for using a vehicle with no motor insurance,

• One for driving otherwise than in accordance with driving licence,

• Six for Construction and Use Offences

• Three for not having a valid MOT

• One fail to stop

• Four S59 warning notices for off roading

During the operation drivers were educated and given verbal warnings for the following:

• 60 warnings for excess speed

• Three given verbal warning and road safety simulator

• Two warnings for vehicle lighting, one warning for due care