The Isle of Wight's new Roads Policing Unit (RPU) is pledging to make the Isle of Wight's roads a safer place for everyone.
Some seven years after the Island's RPU was disbanded, PCs Mike Alchin and Andrew Ball, have taken on the role to clampdown on illegal driving.
They are pledging to cut down the number of drivers who break the law, whether it be speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, driving under the influence of drink or drugs or without a license/insurance.
But as well as issuing tickets, they want to educate motorists to help stop repeat offending.
Speaking to Isle of Wight Radio, PC Alchin, said:
"We are already targeting those specific drivers who are breaking the law and committing offences. Over the last few years, we haven't had this dedicated unit to be able to do that.
"The Roads Policing Unit isn’t just about tickets and enforcement, it’s about education as well.
"If we can help to reduce road deaths and serious incidents on the Island, then that will be a positive for everyone."
With no motorways on the Island, do the Island's roads make it more challenging for officers?
PC Alchin added:
"The roads on the Island bring a different element to the motorways. I wouldn't say it's any easier or harder, it's just a different style of policing. We want to make the Island's roads a safer place."
This week, the pair have issued a number of tickets to drivers who have been caught breaking the law, as part of Operation Wight Wash - with the Military Road one of the areas of focus.
And if the new RPU is successful, it's hoped - subject to funding - that the number of police officers on the team can be increased.
PC Ball said:
"Now we have the ability to be proactive with the traffic side of things, including education and enforcement, I think it will improve road safety and help to reduce the number of fatal and serious accidents on the Isle of Wight.
"We have both come from the response and patrol side of things, which includes a lot of traffic, but we still have a lot to learn and that's what we will continue to do. We were both attracted to the role because of the traffic element and what we could bring.
"We will continue to work alongside our Armed Response colleagues, who will continue their dual role."
Figures from Operation Wight Wash are expected today (Friday).
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