Scores of tickets have been handed out by police officers targeting speeding and dangerous driving, in a two day operation on the Isle of Wight.

From the recently restored Isle of Wight roads policing unit (RPU), PCs Mike Alchin and Andrew Ball have been carrying out enforcement action, along with their colleagues.

Military Road in the West Wight was among the areas being visited, during what they called a 'busy' couple of days.

However, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary officers were keen to point out that although the back of the Wight's scenic route often gets a mention for speeding and dangerous driving, many other areas also pose a risk to safety.

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PC Ball said: "Operation Wightwash is about trying to tackle the fatal four offences - speeding, drink and drug driving, seatbelts, and driving without due care and attention."

He said the biggest improvement Island drivers can make is to drive more slowly, safely and considerately. 

"The majority of Isle of Wight accidents are speed related, where people have gone into a corner too quickly, or are travelling too quickly for the road conditions.

"Conditions on the Isle of Wight can change in an instant."

For PC Alchin, the message is simple: "Drive to the standard that you passed your test.

"As residents ourselves, it's an embarrassment. 

"A lot of offences are being committed by local residents - not holiday-makers." 

Isle of Wight County Press: Specialist roads policing offers were restored to the Isle of Wight in February, after a review by the police force and Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones.

Since austerity in 2016, the duties had fallen to the armed response vehicle (ARV) team and officers visiting from the mainland. 

PC Ball said: "For too long, people haven't had that enforcement and they've been able to push the boundaries too far. 

"It's disappointing - but it justifies the return of the RPU.

"The last two days have been busy.

"There are a lot of people committing a lot of traffic offences on the Isle of Wight."