A focused road safety operation has been carried out in a bid to reduce road traffic collisions along the B3157, a well-known beauty hotspot stretching between Chickerell and Bridport in West Dorset.
Between 2020 and 2024, there were 95 recorded road traffic collisions along this 17-mile stretch of road. Alarmingly, the number of motorcyclists involved in these incidents is disproportionately high compared to the volume of motorbikes using the route. Even more concerning is that 81 per cent of motorcycle-related collisions resulted in serious injuries to riders, compared to just 24 per cent of other vehicle users sustaining serious harm.
On Sunday, 6 April 2025, specialist roads policing officers, alongside the No Excuse team, the Camera Safety Team, the Drone Team, and vehicle examiners, joined forces to crack down on dangerous driving behaviours on the B3157. They were also supported by dedicated Community Speed Watch (CSW) volunteers, who gave up their time to help reduce motorists’ speeds.
Throughout the day of action, 34 motorists were dealt with for exceeding the speed limit, with one of the highest speeds recorded being 75 mph in a 50 mph zone. A total of 17 vehicles were stopped under Section 163 of the Road Traffic Act, with drivers receiving education on how to improve their road safety.
Additionally, a 22-year-old man from Northampton was arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit through drugs. He has since been released under investigation as enquiries continue.
Sergeant Gareth Thomas, of the No Excuse Team, commented:
“With the weather improving and visitors beginning to head to Dorset for the holidays, we wanted to send a clear message to all road users to drive sensibly.
“The B3157 is a notoriously beautiful and scenic road that we want everyone to enjoy responsibly. Along the 17-mile stretch of road, there are no national speed limit sections, and the speed limit regularly changes, requiring all motorists to be alert and drive carefully.
“We have listened to feedback from our communities who live in the villages along the road, and hopefully this operation demonstrates that we have taken their concerns on board and will continue in our efforts to drive down any dangerous motoring behaviours.
“This operation gave us an opportunity to use different tactics to identify anyone not driving within the law. Our drone was able to spot a motorcycle being ridden carelessly from the sky, with officers on the ground nearby able to stop the vehicle and provide education and enforcement.
“I would like to thank everyone involved for making the operation a great success – all activity such as this is invaluable in helping to prevent serious or fatal road traffic collisions in Dorset.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick added:
“I was delighted to join our Roads Policing Team for this important operation, aiming to enforce and educate road users on the risks of dangerous driving including speeding and other offences.
“While enforcement is a powerful tool in our armour when it comes to keeping our roads safe, education and advice are also vital measures. My thanks go to all the officers, staff, and volunteers in our Roads Policing Team for their continued hard work, as well as the dedicated Community Speed Watch volunteers who do such a great job across the county, and our partners for helping to ensure Dorset’s roads are some of the safest in the country.
“Dangerous driving will not be tolerated in Dorset, and I urge all road users to make sure they are abiding by the law – or you will face the consequences.”
