Regulator's Six Vehicle Bans Cap Plymouth Crackdown

Six immediate prohibitions from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) for bald tyres and illegal window tints, plus seven delayed prohibitions for modified exhaust systems, were the headline results of a coordinated day of action in Plymouth on Friday 25 September that combined police, fire, regulator and council mandates against anti-social driving.

The event opened on Plymouth Hoe between 2.00pm and 5.00pm, where neighbourhood policing teams from Plymouth joined colleagues from Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service for community engagement. Officers and firefighters spoke with residents about the legal use of e-scooters and e-bikes, the dangers of anti-social driving, and the reporting tools available to help police identify problem drivers and riders. The engagement formed part of a wider day of action aimed at tackling road-related anti-social behaviour and improving safety across the city.

Additional reference context is available at https://news.devon-cornwall.police.uk/news-article/5848080b-65c1-f111-9da0-6045bdd24049.

The enforcement phase followed later the same day. Between 5.00pm and 8.00pm, neighbourhood team officers worked with Roads Policing officers in a targeted operation supported by the DVSA, focusing on vehicle safety, legal compliance and driver behaviour. It produced a substantial list of offences.

Beyond the prohibitions, one vehicle failed to stop for police and was subsequently traced, with enquiries ongoing. Two Section 59 warnings were issued for inconsiderate driving. Drivers and riders were also reported for a range of further offences: three relating to bald tyres, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, failing to display L plates, failing to stop at a red traffic signal, no insurance, no MOT, driving without due care and attention, and excess speed.

Accountability for the operation sits with the officers who organised it. Plymouth Neighbourhood Beat Manager, PC Becks Adam, worked with Group Commander Plymouth Response Group and Chair of the Community Safety Partnership ‘Safer Plymouth’, Simon Carey, to arrange the event. She said: “Anti-social driving is not just an annoyance; it can have a real impact on the safety and quality of life of people living in or visiting Plymouth.

“Following concerns raised by the community, we carried out a day of action focused on educating members of the public about road safety, and proactively tackling dangerous and anti-social behaviour on our roads.

“We want residents to know that we are listening, and that the information they provide helps us identify problems and take positive action, and we will continue to work with our partners to make our roads safer for everyone.”

The council’s role in the partnership was underlined by Councillor Chris Penberthy, Plymouth City Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for Safer Plymouth. He said: “Whether it is the way cars and bikes are driven, the noise they make, their roadworthiness or drivers being insured, sadly, a few people’s antisocial and illegal driving has a massive impact on many of our residents and businesses.

“Multi-agency and visible operations like this which link education and enforcement are important as we work together to tackle vehicular anti-social behaviour and improve the lives of people living and working in Plymouth.”

Devon & Cornwall Police continues to work alongside partner agencies to tackle anti-social driving, improve road safety and address the issues that matter most to local communities.

Residents can report anti-social driving and vehicle-related concerns online via the Devon & Cornwall Police website or by calling 101. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress or there is an immediate risk to life.