Specials crack down on anti-social driving

Released on 11 February 2010

Not wearing a seatbelt was found to be the top motoring offence during a three-day anti-social driving operation held in Bisley over the weekend of February 5/6/7. A total of 88 vehicles were stopped by a team of officers, including Specials, Neighbourhood Specialist Officers, Police Community Support Officers and Casualty Reduction Officers, with 53 fixed penalty notices issued to drivers for not wearing a seatbelt.

The operation in Surrey Heath was part of a National Specials Weekend to crack down on anti-social driving in West Surrey. More than 100 Special Constables joined forces with full time police officers and partner agencies to tackle anti-social, inconsiderate and dangerous driving.

The weekend's initiative also linked in with the year-long Drive Smart campaign, launched by Surrey Police and Surrey County Council to address anti-social driving, an issue regularly identified as a concern by local residents. An exhibition, highlighting Drive Smart and its aims, was welcomed by shoppers who visited the Mall shopping centre in Camberley on Sunday (February 7).

James W. Deller, Chief Officer of Surrey Special Constabulary, said the operations were set up in response to concerns raised by Surrey's residents. He explained: "The public of Surrey tell us that anti-social driving is an issue for them. Operations such as Drive Smart demonstrate that we listen and actively address those issues. The Special Constabulary is the community policing themselves and therefore makes an active contribution to those things which affect them within their own community."

Applications to be a Special Constable within Surrey Police are actively being sought. If you think you have what it takes, please ring 0800 3287597 or visit the website www.surrey.police.co.uk Opens in a new window for more details.