Police A57 traffic operation deemed a success

Glossop Police have taken action following growing concern over a spate of serious road traffic collisions along the A57 Snake Pass in the past year.

Several incidents have tragically resulted in serious injuries and fatalities, and responding to feedback from the local community, the Glossop Safer Neighbourhood Team identified anti-social behaviour involving cars and motorbikes as a key issue raised by residents. 

In response, officers carried out a targeted traffic operation on Saturday, August 2, focusing on road crime and anti-social vehicle use. The initiative saw 105 motorbikes and 140 cars stopped along the Snake Pass. All vehicles were checked for compliance with the Road Traffic Act, and officers conducted speed checks, taking a zero-tolerance approach to offences. 

The day’s activity led to: 

• 11 tickets issued for non-compliant number plates 

• 1 vehicle seized due to the driver having no licence or insurance 

• 1 coach turned around for breaching the 7.5-tonne weight restriction 

Additional tickets were also handed out for speeding, and officers offered advice to parents whose children were found to be using incorrectly fitted seatbelts. 

The Glossop team confirmed that further operations will be taking place at various locations across the High Peak as part of their ongoing crackdown on reckless and unlawful driving. 

“We’d like to thank everyone who cooperated during the operation,” said a spokesperson for the team. “We received a great deal of positive feedback from both motorists and local residents.” 

Public Reaction and Further Concerns: 

The operation has already sparked discussion online, with residents calling for similar enforcement efforts on Manchester Road in Tintwistle, as well as Pikes Lane and Primrose Lane in Glossop. Another mentioned concern is the safe transportation of dogs in vehicles. 

Under Rule 57 of the Highway Code, animals must be ‘suitably restrained’ while travelling in vehicles to avoid distractions and reduce the risk of injury. While the code doesn’t mandate a specific type of restraint, acceptable options include harnesses, pet carriers, dog cages, or guards. 

Importantly, pets should not travel in the front passenger seat - especially in vehicles with active airbags - as this poses a greater risk of distraction and injury. 

Failure to properly restrain a pet in a moving vehicle could be deemed ‘driving without due care and attention’, which carries a maximum fine of £5,000 and may lead to a court appearance. 

Residents are encouraged to report any concerns about dangerous driving or vehicle-related anti-social behaviour directly to the police.