POLICE have launched a new campaign, called Operation Whitmore, in a bid to tackle traffic offenders.

Officers have spoken to about 150 drivers in Upton, Hanley Swan, Kempsey, Broadheath and Pendock.

The operation is geared towards engagement and education rather than enforcement, according to Police Constable Edward Shotton.

PC Shotton, of Upton Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: "Myself and PC Paul Kennedy cover some 25 parishes many of whom report speeding as an issue.

"The operation sees us carry out formal road side checks of drivers and occupants. It is a significant and short presence normally in the centre of a parish.

"If we identify a sudden increase in offending on a particular area we find that conducting Operation Whitmore offers a significant deterrent to offenders returning.

"It receives very good community feedback and sees us engage often with 20 to 30 motorists that you can’t do on generic patrol."

The officer said they target drivers who are speeding, not wearing their seatbelts and using mobile phones.

He added that officers recently partnered up with Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs to test for red diesel, which carries a lower tax but is intended for agricultural or construction vehicles.

They did not find any drivers using the fuel.