Dorset Roads Policing

26/08/2026

We are really pleased to be one of the first forces across the country using the latest mobile evidential breath test machine, improving how we can catch drink drivers 🍺❌

The Lion Intoxilyzer 9000 measures the amount of alcohol found in a motorist using pulsed infrared technology on a breath sample.

As it is an evidential form of testing, a sample can be taken at the roadside where previously this would need to be taken in custody, slowing down the process.

This latest breath testing device improves the precision with which we can detect a drink driver and ensure they are taken off the road quicker.

Drink driving is one of the fatal five road traffic offences and a motorist driving under the influence can kill or seriously injure another road user in a road traffic collision. Since the beginning of 2023, 113 people were killed or seriously injured in collisions where being impaired or affected by alcohol was a contributing factor.

This latest equipment strengthens our mission to stop anyone from driving or riding while under the influence of alcohol.

Read more in the link in the comments below ⬇️

28/07/2026

23/07/2026

🚨 Do you know the importance of wearing a seatbelt while in a vehicle?

Recent analysis from the Department for Transport indicates that 40 per cent of rear-seat passengers who died in road traffic collisions were not wearing seatbelts.

We know that wearing a seatbelt doesn’t stop a collision from happening, but it can dramatically reduce the chances of you being injured.

Wearing a seatbelt not only helps protect your safety, it helps protect the safety of others too.

Putting on a seatbelt takes just a few seconds and it could save your life. If you’re caught travelling in a vehicle without wearing one, you could be given a fixed penalty notice on the spot.

As part of a national campaign, our roads policing officers will be out and about looking to make sure that everyone is wearing their seatbelt and not breaking any of the fatal five traffic offences.

You are responsible for your actions when you are in charge of a vehicle, please play your part and keep the roads safe for everyone.

08/07/2026

We took proactive action against anti-social driving and riding in West Bay following concerns raised by residents 🚗🏍️

On the evening of Thursday 2 July 2026, officers from the Roads Policing Team, local neighbourhood policing team, Force Support Group, Special Constabulary and the road casualty reduction officers carried out an operation in West Bay.

A police drone was deployed over the area to give a higher vantage point to spot any offences of poor driving, allowing officers to then intercept motorists on the ground.

Two motorists were arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence of drink or drugs after they were identified reportedly using their vehicles in an anti-social manner.

This type of behaviour can have a real significant impact on residents, and we have listened to the concerns that have been raised.

❌ We are taking a zero-tolerance approach and anyone who was identified as driving otherwise than in accordance with the law received the appropriate action.

Our priority is to keep everyone safe on the roads in Dorset and to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured in a road traffic collision.

Read more about the operation in the comments below ⬇️

29/06/2026

The Commercial Vehicle Unit (CVU), alongside partners, carried out checks on delivery drivers and commercial vehicles to ensure they are working safely and within the law.

The targeted activity, which took place on Tuesday 16 June 2026, was carried out focusing on the A31 and in Bournemouth.

We were conducting checks to ensure all vehicles were insured and that the motorists had driving licences and the correct documentation.

As a result of the operation, six vehicles were seized for offences such as having no insurance or being driven otherwise than in accordance with a licence and 12 motorists were dealt with for various traffic offences.

Police Sergeant Dave Cotterill, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “Road safety is something that applies to all road users, including those who drive commercially for business.

“Driving a safe vehicle is a vital responsibility for every driver because if we can keep only roadworthy cars using our network, there will be a reduced risk of collisions.

“We are grateful that we were able to work in partnership with Avon and Somerset Roads Policing Team, as well as colleagues from Immigration Enforcement, to ensure that motorists were complying with road traffic legislation and immigration rules.

“There is never an excuse for flouting the laws of the road – everyone has a part to play to help keep each other safe.”

10/06/2026

Do you want to learn how to be a better biker? 🏍️

There are still spaces available on one of our police led BikeSafe workshops this summer!

For more info and dates visit: https://bikesafe.co.uk/dorset/

10/06/2026

Recently, the Commercial Vehicle Unit (CVU) have stopped at least three commercial vehicle drivers who have failed a roadside drug test and been arrested.

Driving while under the influence of drugs is one of the fatal five road traffic offences. It is extremely dangerous and can affect your driving in a number of ways.

The biggest risk you take when driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is the risk of causing a collision – you can harm not only yourself but other road users.

As a commercial vehicle driver, you are in charge of a large and heavy vehicle that could cause very serious harm when involved in a collision.

The same rules apply to HGV drivers as they do for all other road users. For a commercial vehicle driver, this could end in you losing your job if you are convicted.

The CVU, alongside the Roads Policing Team and officers across the Force, will continue to target all drivers, no matter what vehicle they are in charge of, to make sure that our roads are safe.

Remember – even if you feel fine, drugs can stay in your system for longer than you think, sometimes for days. Do not risk it – you could lose your licence or there could be tragic consequences.

26/05/2026

🚨 ROAD CLOSURE: WIMBORNE ROAD, KINSON 🚨

Wimborne Road is currently closed between the Northbourne Roundabout and The Broadway.
There is an additional closure further down between Avebury Avenue and Pinewood Avenue.

⚠️ Reason for closure: A significant underground water leak has caused the road surface and pavements to raise, making them soft and unsafe underfoot.

⏳ Duration: The closure is likely to remain in place for some time. BCP Council and Bournemouth Water have been informed; engineers are en route to assess the damage and begin repairs. It is likely a large section of the road will need to be dug up.

🚗 What to do: Please avoid the area and seek alternative routes.

Many thanks.

15/05/2026

POSITIVE ACTION | A day of action targeting illegal e-mobility in Bournemouth has resulted in a number of vehicles being seized.

Officers from the Roads Policing Team conducted patrols in the town following concerns over anti-social behaviour and road-related offences linked to e-bikes and e-scooters.

A total of nine illegal e-mobility vehicles were seized – three illegal EAPCs (electrically assisted pedal cycles) and six illegal electric scooters.

Police Constable Christian Budden, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “We understand the concern from the public around the use of illegal e-bikes and e-scooters on our road networks.

“Not only do they pose a risk to other road users and pedestrians, we know they are often linked to further anti-social behaviour and criminality.

“We have taken positive action to target those using illegal vehicles of this nature which has resulted in a number of them being seized.

“We want to stress that if you are caught riding one of these vehicles illegally, it will be seized, crushed and recycled.

“We would urge the public to please make the necessary checks before purchasing one of these vehicles to make sure they are compliant with the law.

“If you suspect anyone is using an illegally adapted electric vehicle, please report it to us – if we don’t know about it, we can’t tackle it. You can contact us via our website or by calling 101. If a crime is in progress or there is danger to life, always call 999.”

30/04/2026

Last week, we seized 30 vehicles as part of a national campaign that was focused on taking uninsured vehicles off the road.

Driving without insurance is illegal – there is an increased likelihood of being involved in a road traffic collision, as well as an economic cost impact for other road users. Uninsured vehicles can also be linked to other criminality, such as vehicle theft, fail-to-stop collisions or drink and drug driving.

We held a day of action on Wednesday 22 April 2026 with support from MIB (Motor Insurers’ Bureau) and carried out additional checks on motorists to identify anyone driving without insurance.

During the day, we saw some great results:
❌ 14 vehicles seized for no insurance
🤳 Five motorists dealt with for driving while using a mobile phone
❌ One vehicle seized for having no tax
🚗 Two motorists dealt with for tax offences
🔧 Three motorists dealt with for not having a valid MOT
👮‍♂️ One arrest made for a driving offence
❌ One disqualified driver stopped
🚨 Two high-risk road users stopped

Uninsured drivers can receive a £300 fixed penalty notice and six points on their licence. If stopped by police, their vehicle may be seized. If you end up in court, you could also receive an unlimited fine and even a driving ban. A new driver within their first two years of driving could lose their licence if they receive six points.

This targeted activity is vitally important to keeping our roads safe. A motorist who is happy to drive while knowingly uninsured is more likely to take greater risks on the roads and can be found to be involved in wider criminal activity.

There are some people who innocently are driving while uninsured and have not intentionally set out to ignore the law.

Here are a few easy mistakes worth double-checking:
▪️ Forgotten when your insurance expires? Check your renewal date today.
▪️ Assumed your policy auto-renews? Not all do, and expired payment cards can cause lapses.
▪️ Kept a vehicle off the road without declaring it SORN with the DVLA? Make sure it’s officially off-road.
▪️ Thought fully comprehensive cover lets you drive someone else’s car? It often doesn’t - check your policy first for coverage and any restrictions.
▪️ Using your car for work or deliveries on a social-only policy? You’ll likely need commuting, business or hire-and-reward cover.

If you’re not sure about your insurance status, check today for free: mib.org.uk/DriveInsured