Safer Roads

Working together to reduce harm, promote safety and protect communities across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight

Road Safety is one of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s priorities for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.

As one of the key areas for the force, there is a focus across the two counties to take action against speeding drivers, road users under the influence of drink/drugs, illegal car meets and anti-social driving, as well as cracking down on the illegal use of e-scooters and e-bikes.

The Commissioner is determined to help reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Rural communities are encouraged to use Hants Snap to submit reports of crimes and suspected criminal activity on our roads. Hants Snap – Report an Incident | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary

The Commissioner will be hosting a Road Safety Summit in March 2026, bringing together senior police leaders, Roads Policing Unit’s, local authorities, Highways Authorities, volunteer and charity groups, as well as key stakeholders in a drive to improve safety on our roads.

Apply for tickets to the Road Safety Summit https://luma.com/5n55t1bj

£500,000 Road Safety Fund

Applications to the Commissioner’s Emerging Needs: Road Safety Fund are now open and will close on Friday 28 November 2025 at 15:00 GMT.

This funding opportunity is designed to support items or projects that contribute to improving road safety in our communities. It aligns with the Commissioner’s commitment, as outlined in the Police and Crime Plan, to: “Work with partners to continue to identify opportunities to promote road safety to reduce death and serious injury.”

Applicants are encouraged to propose initiatives that reflect this priority and demonstrate a clear impact on reducing harm on our roads.

Funding must be used exclusively to improve road safety within Hampshire and the Isle of Wight

The maximum amount of funding that can be applied for per application is £20,000. However, if your application is specifically for Speedwatch, the maximum funding available is £8,000.

Apply for funding

Application guidelines Commissioner’s Emerging Needs Fund 2026

You can apply for funding from the Emerging Needs Fund here Commissioner’s Emerging Needs Fund – Road Safety

Speed & Safety

Community Speedwatch success stories:

In March 2024 at the annual PCC Awards, the Community Speedwatch Chandler’s Ford group won the Police Volunteer of the Year Award.

Its co-ordinator, Derek, explains their role: “As volunteers, we monitor the traffic in the local area because speeding is dangerous in our communities.

“It’s very rewarding to help out in the community and we are also able to free up the time of police officers.”

Community Speedwatch is a national initiative where members of local communities, with the support and supervision of their local police, record details of speeding vehicles using approved detection devices. Registered keepers of vehicles breaking the speed limit are contacted by letter explaining the potential risks and consequences of their dangerous behaviour. Repeat offenders receive a visit from the local police and could face criminal prosecution.

Apply for speed camera funding
New Forest Drive Safe Campaign New Forest Drive Safe – Real New Forest
More information Speeding | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary

Drink & Drug Driving

Op Holly/Op Limit: Operation Holly & Operation Limit are our drink and drug driving campaigns.

In 2024, Hampshire & IOW Constabulary made a total of 322 arrests during Operation Limit.

There were 152 motorists arrested on suspicion of drink driving and 170 arrested on suspicion of drug driving.

The figures are an increase on 2023 when a total of 301 arrests were made across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Read more here Effective crackdown on drink and drug driving – Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner
More information Alcohol and drug driving | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary

Anti-social driving

Op Chromium: “Op Chromium” targets illegal, dangerous car meets and anti-social vehicle use across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Set up in 2022, it involves officers confiscating vehicles involved in activities like drifting and racing, issuing warnings, and taking action against drivers who break the law, with the goal of ensuring public safety.

Op Chromium latest news

Shocking footage of dangerous driving at car meet released as police update on recent court successes:

More information:

Vehicle nuisance involving cars, bikes and mopeds | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary

E-scooter Enforcement

Op Crush: The Police and Crime Commissioner signed a contract to enable the force to enhance the powers of its officers by using existing legislation to give them the option to destroy any e-scooter or e-motorcycle that is being used in crime. The force then launched Operation Crush, an initiative which has enhanced police powers to seize and destroy e-scooters and e-motorcycles used illegally or in criminal activities.

The PCC is lobbying the Government for tougher legislation in this area.
FAQ’s on legal use
More information Advice on e-scooter usage | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary

Is your vision roadworthy?

Our Roads Policing Unit have been reminding motorists of their legal responsibility to ensure their vision is roadworthy during ‘Operation Dark Nights’, a National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) road safety campaign which took place from 27 October 2025 – 09 November 2025.

All motorists must ensure their vision meets minimum eyesight standards every time they get behind the wheel no matter how far, or, what time of day, they travel.

5% of drivers would fail 20m number plate test, while from 2013-24, police revoked 274 licences in Hants & IOW for drivers with eyesight below the minimum standards.

Top tips

Regularly test your vision by reading a car number plate from 20 metres away (that’s about five car lengths).
Have routine sight tests – once every two years (or earlier if recommended by your optometrist or you notice a change in your vision).
If you’ve been prescribed eyewear for driving, wear it!
Wear glasses or contact lenses with an up-to-date prescription.
Clean your spectacles and ensure they are scratch-free. Smudges or scratches can cause excessive glare or visual discomfort from low autumn sun.
Keep your windscreen clean inside and out and check your wiper blades for wear.
Check your car’s lights are working properly.

Driving with vision below minimum standards, could land you a £1,000 fine, 3 points on your licence and potential disqualification.

Under legislation known as Cassie’s Law, drivers who fail a roadside number plate test can have their driving licence revoked on the spot if a police officer deems them unsafe to be on the road. Visit www.VisionAndDriving.info for more information

Get Involved and Stay Updated

Volunteer with Community Speed Watch speedwatch@hampshire.police.uk or call the non-emergency police number 101.

For local team information, contact your parish or town council or your Local Bobby or PCSO Look up Local Neighbourhood Policing Team – Hampshire Alert for information on how to join or set up a scheme in your area.