PCC supports Specials’ day of action in Ipswich

Tim Passmore attended a day of action in Ipswich led by the Suffolk Special Constabulary Roads Policing Unit and is delighted to hear that the operation resulted in two arrests, three vehicles being seized and 17 drivers being issued Traffic Offence Reports (TORs).

The operation on Saturday 4 June was part of the National Specials Weekend which this year focused on the work of the Roads Policing unit. Officers from Suffolk’s Special Constabulary teamed up with Specials from Essex, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA),HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Multi-vehicle checks at the car park at the Copdock interchange were carried out during the day.

A total of 34 cars were stopped and brought the site, yielding the following results;

• Two people were arrested for drug driving.
• A 21 year man from Felixstowe has been bailed to Martlesham police investigation centre on 19 July and a 30 year old man from Ipswich has also been bailed to the same on 18 July.
• Three vehicles were seized for having no insurance.
• 17 TORs were issued; one for driving without due care and attention, seven for having incorrect registration marks, three for having no insurance, four for having no vehicle MoT, one for using a hand held device whilst driving and one for not having the correct driving licence.
• 14 vehicle defective rectification scheme (VDRS) notices were issued to drivers for vehicle defects such as registration plate light failure and perished wiper blades.
• Six drivers were also spoken to regarding minor vehicle defects.
• HMRC dipped 10 tanks.

Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Tim Passmore said “Our volunteer police officers are not called Specials for nothing, they play a very important role in policing the county and we are absolutely indebted to them, their commitment and enthusiasm is second to none. They give their time for nothing and add a completely different dimension to the policing family.

“I was very pleased to be able to attend this multi-constabulary day of action to see for myself how our Specials work within the Roads Policing Unit and I believe the results speak for themselves – they were simply outstanding.”

Special Inspector Jeremy Philpot, said ” This annual event highlights the vital role that is performed by the Special Constabulary in helping keep communities in Suffolk safer.

“Over the weekend in Suffolk, 74 Specials were on duty for a total of 745 hours. This fantastic total shows the professionalism and dedication of our officers, which is seen throughout the year. These are men and women who volunteer their time with such energy and commitment.

“Specials also worked with Essex, Kent, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire constabularies at other vehicle check sites at Thurrock and Stanstead. This cross border collaboration benefits all involved and the weekend was a great success.”