DRIVERS have been warned there is ‘no excuse’ for bad driving as safety chiefs release the latest statistics from their hard-hitting campaign.

There were 3,328 offences recorded in the period January 18 to March 31.

No Excuse is a campaign cracking down on irresponsible driving which ultimately aims to reduce death and serious injury on Dorset’s roads.

Teams of police and council road safety officers patrol the roads in marked and unmarked vehicles.

The police officers on the team regularly make use of their covert motorcycles allowing them the opportunity to detect those drivers who think they haven’t been seen.

On the spot fines can be issued for certain offences.

The team said more than 800 of the offences processed were for not wearing a seatbelt or for using a mobile phone whilst driving – including one issued to a person who was using a phone whilst supervising a learner driver.

Twenty six drivers were caught for not being in proper control of their vehicle or driving without a proper view and 54 motorists were caught for driving without MOT certificates, Vehicle Excise Licence or Insurance.

Chief Inspector Bob Nichols of Dorset Police said: “Recent news that ‘no excuse’ will be continuing for a second year underlines the Dorset Road Safe commitment to reducing the number of people killed and seriously injured.

“We know from bitter experience that more often than not, distraction or speed are directly responsible for collisions while the refusal to wear seatbelts often results in a more serious outcome.

“Whilst we are seeing great support for the initiative there are too many local motorists still prepared to take a chance.

“The message is clear – we want all drivers to take responsibility and ensure a safer environment for everyone.”

The project is led by Dorset Road Safe, a partnership including Dorset County Council, Dorset Fire and Rescue Service, NHS Dorset, the South West Ambulance Service NHS Trust and others.