Traffic cops to use cunning new way to catch unsuspecting motorists

A POLICE force has become the first to use drones to spy on reckless drivers and motorcyclists.

The flying gadgets track vehicles’ speeds using fixed positions on dangerous stretches of road.

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They can also video incidents of unsafe driving or riding.

Officers can then check the MOT, tax and insurance status of any vehicle and stop offenders.

Traffic cops with Devon and Cornwall Police have linked up with the force’s drone unit in the crackdown.

The eyes in the sky focused chiefly on motorcycles over the Easter weekend.

Inspector Colin Harper of the drone team said: “This innovative use of drones will give us early warning of any offences and allow us to be far more targeted in our approach on the ground.

“This technology can and will be used to help detect speeding and dangerous driving in all vehicles.

“At present, our focus is on motorcyclists who are at highest-risk according to our data — particularly at this time when more riders will be venturing out again after the winter.

“We will be deploying this technology on roads where we know motorbikes are travelling too fast, and also around dates and locations where motorcycle events are scheduled.”

Head of Roads Policing, Chief Inspector Ben Asprey, said: “In 2022, 16 motorcyclists were killed on Devon and Cornwall’s roads — the highest figure in the past five years.

“A further 187 were left seriously injured.

“Speed and inappropriate riding have been major contributory factors in the collisions we have attended.

“Preventing any further unnecessary loss of life is our top priority.”

The force is working in partnership with “Vision Zero South West” — a road safety initiative.

Its fleet of drones are able to operate in changing weather conditions and varying temperatures.