01-08-2025
Road safety blitz nets dozens of offenders on Bury New Road
A large-scale police traffic operation took place on Tuesday (July 29) along Bury New Road in Whitefield, targeting a range of motoring offences.
Led by the Whitefield Neighbourhood Policing Team, the operation involved officers working alongside the DVLA, the Road Policing Unit, and around 20 Police Community Support Officers.
Officers were stationed throughout the day and into the evening, stopping vehicles and checking for a wide array of traffic violations.
Preparing for the traffic operation in Whitefield (Image: NQ) Sergeant Damieon Hartley-Pickles of the Whitefield Neighbourhood Team, explaining the rationale behind the operation, said: 'The purpose of the traffic operation was to try to keep the streets and roads of Bury safe.
"Specifically, this part of Whitefield where the trunk road brings a lot of traffic.
'We are making sure that people are abiding by road traffic legislation, checking such things as they are wearing seatbelts, not using mobile phones, or using red diesel.'
Preparing for the traffic operation in Whitefield (Image: NQ)
The operation also focused on identifying vehicles using false or "ghost" number plates, with assistance from the DVLA. Officers from the Road Policing Unit were on standby in case any motorists attempted to flee the scene.
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In total, 46 traffic offence reports were issued, covering offences such as using a mobile phone while driving, not wearing a seatbelt, speeding, driving without insurance or a valid licence, displaying illegal registration plates, and having windows tinted beyond legal limits.
Whitefield traffic was the target of the police operation (Image: NQ)
Neighbourhoods Chief Inspector Michael Barton of the Bury division said: 'Many offences identified during the operation could be considered as being minor. For example, not wearing seatbelts, using a mobile phone whilst driving and not sticking to the prescribed speed limit.
'I want to remind everyone that a collision can happen in a split second, and this operation seeks to raise awareness, and ensure members of the public and drivers of these vehicles are aware of these dangers.
'Enforcement and prosecution are important tactics we can use to help make the roads a safer place, but Tuesday's operation was also about educating as many people as possible.'
Police have confirmed that further operations are planned in other areas of Bury as part of ongoing efforts to promote safer driving and reduce road-related harm.
