THE Whitehaven News was given the opportunity to do a ride-along in a police patrol vehicle.
AS part of coverage of Cumbria Police's latest initiative, Operation Colossus, I was given the chance to ride along with an officer as he patrolled the streets of Whitehaven.
I was greeted by PC James Cornish, of the roads policing unit, at Whitehaven Police Station.
Another reporter and I were told we would be taken on a patrol around the town to see firsthand what the police experience on a day-to-day basis.
On this occasion, we were in an unmarked police vehicle and would be monitoring drivers in and around the town - Colossus being the police latest operation to tackle the scourge of antisocial driving.
From the moment we set off until we arrived back at the station, PC Cornish constantly monitored drivers and was also provided with information on specific cars to look out for.
We covered a large area from Distington to Mirehouse, with one vehicle stop taking place on the Loop Road near Hensingham.
Two vehicles were stopped during my time in the car; one incident involved a broken brake light, and another a potentially disqualified driver.
PC Cornish said: "We're carrying out a mobile patrol at the moment, looking for any traffic offences being committed by anyone in West Cumbria.
"We've done the stationary checkpoint this morning, and we'll be doing another this afternoon."
Two vehicle checkpoints were set up around the town on the first day of Operation Colossus, one in Whitehaven town centre and another near Bransty.
The operation aims to clamp down on antisocial driving and to ensure that the roads are safe for all users.
There is also an emphasis being put on the illegal use of e-bikes and scooters.
Technology is transforming the fight against road offenders. PC Cornish continued: "We have ANPR [automatic numberplate recognition] markers which will activate for disqualified drivers, suspected drink drivers, and drug drivers.
"And then our own eyes are looking at passing cars, seeing if there is anyone who draws our attention."
An example of something that might draw attention? Someone using their mobile phone. One of the 'fatal four' reasons why people are killed or seriously injured on the roads.
Road offences can have devastating consequences. Tackling it through targeted operations like this is essential.
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