Dorset Police Crack Down on Commercial Vehicle Safety During National Enforcement Campaign

Dorset Police’s Roads Policing Team has led a proactive safety campaign targeting commercial vehicles across the county as part of a wider national initiative aimed at reducing road casualties and improving public safety.

Between 26 January and 8 February 2026, officers from Dorset Police’s Roads Policing and Commercial Vehicle Units worked alongside the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to engage with drivers of commercial vehicles, ensuring that vehicles and loads complied with legal requirements and posed no risk to other road users.

Targeted Enforcement and Outcomes

During this two-week operation, officers took action against a range of dangerous and unlawful driving behaviours:

• 64 motorists were dealt with for multiple offences, including:
  • Driving without insurance or a valid MOT
  • Carrying insecure or overweight loads
  • Using a mobile phone
  • Exceeding legal driver hours and speed limits
• Vehicle seizures and prohibitions: Three vehicles were seized and five were prohibited from continuing their journeys due to safety concerns.
• Arrests: Four individuals were arrested on suspicion of driving over the legal drug limit.
• The Camera Safety Team also identified 81 vehicles exceeding speed limits, underlining ongoing concerns around speed compliance among commercial drivers.

Focus on Public Safety

Police Sergeant Dave Cotterill, of the Roads Policing Team, highlighted the significance of the campaign:

“This targeted work was carried out as part of our continuous efforts to keep the roads safe and reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured in a road traffic collision.”

Sergeant Cotterill underscored that most commercial drivers comply with safety laws, but stressed that even a minority ignoring regulations can pose serious risks on Dorset’s roads.

He added that enforcement activity also offered opportunities to detect other criminality, citing the arrest of an individual wanted in connection with unrelated offences during the operation.

Commissioner’s Support and Wider Impact

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, endorsed the enforcement initiative, noting its vital role in maintaining road safety standards across Dorset. He emphasised that such campaigns reinforce the Force’s commitment to protecting all road users and working collaboratively with national partners to achieve this goal.

Continuing the Mission

The campaign reflects a sustained focus by Dorset Police on road safety, particularly in relation to high-risk vehicles and driving behaviours. As part of this broader strategy, public awareness and education efforts will continue alongside enforcement activity, with the ultimate aim of reducing collisions and saving lives on Dorset’s roads.

For members of the public who witness dangerous driving or have concerns about road safety, police advice is to report these matters promptly through official Dorset Police channels.