Operation Portman in Bolton sees 564 drivers reported – many for allegedly speeding

Officers launched Operation Portman on Thursday, December 3 in response to concerns over the number of serious road incidents in the town.

Bolton neighbourhood officers were supported by Greater Manchester Police's (GMP) Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit, a team of specially trained drivers, and GMP's Traffic Team, as they patrolled hotspot areas.

They worked together to identify drivers who were not using the roads safely and took action against them.

As well as 564 motorists being reported, another two drivers were stopped for using a mobile phone while driving, three were arrested on suspicion of drink-driving offences and five were allegedly driving without due care or attention.

Sixteen vehicles were seized for reportedly having no insurance.

And an arrest was made in which a driver was accused of being behind the wheel of a vehicle when they were disqualified.

The month-long operation ended on Sunday, January 3.

Inspector David Johnston of the Bolton district, said: "Operation Portman is part of our longer term commitment to engaging with all road users – cyclists, drivers and pedestrians, and making our roads safer.

"As we have seen too many times before, dangerous driving can have devastating consequences, not only for those caught up in the resulting collisions but their family and friends too.

"The number of speeding offences from this operation is worrying and I would like to remind drivers that even small increases over the limit can add up to big risks.

"At 30mph around 20 per cent of pedestrians would receive fatal injuries.

"Above this, the survival rate reduces dramatically with 50 per cent being killed at 35mph and 90 per cent at 40mph, so it just isn't worth the risk.

"I ask all road users to please take care on the roads and would like to thank those that do.

"For those that don't, our officers will take the appropriate action."