Devon & Cornwall Police is operating a squad of drones to cut speeding and arrest dangerous drivers.

The force said it is the first time that the craft have been used in the bid for road safety.

It claims drones can accurately assess speed at fixed positions in the air as well as video the aftermath of accidents.

Officers can will then be able to check the MOT, tax and insurance status of any vehicle almost instantly.

Chief Inspector Ben Asprey, Head of Roads Policing at Devon & Cornwall Police, said: “Sadly last year was a terrible year for serious and fatal collisions involving motorcyclists.

“In 2022, 16 motorcyclists were killed on Devon and Cornwall’s roads – the highest figure in the past five years. A further 187 were also left seriously injured.

“Despite motorcyclists making up less than 1% of overall traffic, they account for roughly a third of all serious and fatal collisions in our area. But it’s important to remember that these aren’t just numbers, these are people’s loved ones – parents, sons, daughters, friends and partners – and we are determined to drive those numbers down.

“Speed and inappropriate riding have been major contributory factors in the motorcycle collisions we have attended. Travelling too fast gives you less time to react and dramatically increases their risk of being fatally or seriously injured.

“Many of these serious collisions have not involved any other road users, meaning inappropriate riding and motorcyclist error is also a major factor. Motorcyclists are already a vulnerable road user group, not least because they have considerably less protection than drivers of cars or other vehicles.

“Preventing any further unnecessary loss of life is our top priority.”

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