Specials crack down on drink/driving

An operation led by Specials from three areas of the Met has resulted in a number of punishments for driving offences.

During the five-hour night-time operation, Specials from Hounslow Borough, CO15 Traffic and Heathrow stopped almost 100 drivers for committing moving traffic offences. They made five arrests for offences relating to drink/drive, immigration and possession of a controlled substance, issued nine fixed penalty notices and seized four vehicles.

The Specials held the operation on a busy section of the A4, just east of Heathrow Airport. They closed off one lane of the road, leading into London, where they questioned and breathalysed drivers and carried out intelligence-led searches for drugs and weapons on some of the vehicles. Although the main objective of the operation was to combat drink/driving, the officers found that some of the drivers had no insurance or tax discs. One driver, who initially refused to stop after the officers saw him weaving his van up the road, was later charged with failing to provide a breath sample. His two passengers were arrested on immigration matters.

Chief Inspector Ian Vincent of CO15 Traffic, said: “This work demonstrates the willingness and effectiveness of the Metropolitan Special Constabulary (MSC) in mounting operations to help tackle the issues important to road safety. It also reinforces the value of different MSC teams working together to achieve an operation like this.”

Chief Superintendent David Bilson, Hounslow Borough Commander, said: “I am very happy with the results of this operation and the way in which Hounslow Specials have worked closely with colleagues from other units. Not only have the officers removed dangerous vehicles and drivers from the roads, they also received positive feedback from law-abiding drivers who were pleased that they were proactively trying to stop those who presented a danger to others.”

Superintendent Alan Horton, MSC and Volunteers OCU Deputy Commander, said: “I am impressed with the way Specials from different units have worked together to achieve these encouraging results. Some of the people they found to be breaking the law were willing to risk their lives – as well as the lives of others – by drinking and driving, so in detecting and punishing them the Specials may have prevented further crime.”

Special constables are volunteer police officers. They have all the same powers and responsibilities and wear the same uniform as regular officers and volunteer 16 or more hours per month to support neighbourhood policing. This could involve carrying out foot and vehicle patrols, assisting at accidents, providing security at public events or taking part in “hotspot” operations. To find out more and to apply visit www.metpolicecareers.co.uk/specials

To learn about non-uniformed MPS volunteering opportunities, visit the Met Volunteer Programme website