Cumbria Police are supporting a nationwide Fatal Four road safety campaign running throughout July called Operation Spotlight.
The operation targets the Fatal Four - speeding, using a mobile phone at the wheel, not wearing a seatbelt and driving under the influence of drink and/or drugs – and the April Operation Spotlight resulted in more than 150 arrests in the county.
In the first few hours of the operation officers arrested a 21-year-old driver after stopping a car yesterday (Tuesday 1st July) at around 12.10pm on the A66 near Brough.
The driver was arrested after refusing to provide a roadside drugs wipe and has been charged with failing to co-operate with a preliminary test. He was bailed to attend Carlisle Magistrates’ Court on the 4th August 2025.
Inspector Jack Stabler of Cumbria Constabulary lead's the Roads Policing Unit and is Chair of Cumbria Road Safety Partnership.
He said: “Our officers are on the roads 365 days a year targeting dangerous driver behaviour.
“However, Operation Spotlight gives us the opportunity to shine a light on the most dangerous factors which can result in deaths and serious injuries on our roads.
“I urge everyone to analyse their own driving behaviours and those of their passengers and loved ones. By taking a critical look at our own behaviour and the behaviour of those around us, we can save lives.”
Road safety is always a top priority for Cumbria Police.
Cumbria Police officers have been extremely proactive on the roads in recent months, from the April Operation Spotlight which saw more than 150 arrests to the Appleby Horse Fair policing operation which saw 80 arrests from all communities for drink and drug driving.
Inspector Stabler said: “Getting behind the wheel whilst impaired by alcohol or drugs is an incredibly dangerous act.
“Despite the high numbers of arrests we are making, I know our officers will continue to find people driving whilst impaired in the coming days and weeks.
“Each person caught is one less potential fatal or serious injury collision prevented.”
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “Operation Spotlight really highlights the positive work that the Roads Policing Unit does all year round and 150 arrests in one month is a fantastic result.
“Speeding, driving whilst using a mobile phone, not wearing a seatbelt and drink/drug driving are all incredibly dangerous and selfish. These acts not only put the driver’s life at risk but also risks the lives of passengers, pedestrians and law-abiding motorists.
“Laws are in place for a reason – to keep you safe. Please follow these laws and drive to the conditions of the road. We are about to see a huge influx of visitors into the county, so we all need to be as safe as possible.
“Keeping Cumbria’s roads safe it a joint effort – it is not just the responsibility of the Police but also the responsibility of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. Let’s look out for one another on the roads and reduce serious collisions on our roads.”
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