Drivers issued urgent warning of new police crackdown on motorists - 'Use the roads responsibly!'

The main five causes of serious injuries and deaths on the region's roads are driving at an excessive speed, not wearing a seatbelt, driving while using a mobile phone, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and careless or inconsiderate driving.

These offences, which are referred to as the "fatal five", have prompted a number of serious safety warnings from officers and road safety campaigners.

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Devon and Cornwall Police, alongside staff from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), have launched Operation No Excuses in Bodmin this month.

This will see officers and staff from the DVSA stop and speak to drivers about road safety for a variety of reasons which could contribute to dangerous conditions.

The scheme stems from officers saying that there are "no excuses" they haven't heard when it comes to drivers trying to get out of motoring offences.

Superintendent Ryan Doyle, Devon and Cornwall Police's head of roads policing, stressed the importance of road safety following a "significant number of very serious collisions" on roads across the region.

He added: "Sadly, many of these have resulted in a tragic loss of life which, as you can imagine, has been devastating for the families and friends of those involved.

"These people are being supported by specialist officers and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

"The vast majority of road users in Devon and Cornwall are safe, responsible and respectful – and I would urge everyone to lead by example."

Supt Doyle said the force was increasing the number of road policing officers and speed detection teams on roads around Devon and Cornwall.

He said the force hoped the increased presence of police officers would give reassurance to motorists, concluding with an impassioned plea for people to "please, please, drive safely".

The force said it had stopped two drivers with insecure loads, one for not having insurance, one using a mobile phone and one for having cord exposed on their tyres.

As part of the day-long operation in Bodmin earlier this week, Devon and Cornwall Police also came across four overweight vehicles, while one person was arrested for drug driving, the BBC reported.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Vice Chair of Vision Zero South West and Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, also stressed the importance of road safety, and sent his best wishes to the families of those who have lost their lives in recent weeks.

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He added: "At this time of year our roads start to get extremely busy with an influx of visitors to the region, so we would like to remind everyone to take extra care when out on our roads, whether you are driving, riding or walking.

"We're determined to drive down the number of collisions on Devon and Cornwall’s roads, and we can all play our part in being considerate and looking out for other people."

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said the Vision Zero South West partnership was doing all it can to reduce the number of injuries and deaths on roads.

Hernandez, who is also chair of the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership, added: "I would urge everyone to please use the roads responsibly, respect other road users and leave plenty of time for any journeys you make."