Two arrests after Tyne Tunnel police chase as major road safety campaign launched

One Road, One Week kicked started on Monday, September 14 and sees traffic cops across the UK and Europe taking part in a week-long operation to crack down on dangerous driving in all its forms, from speeding and mobile phone use to uninsured drivers, intoxicated driving and seatbelt offences.

This week, specialist motor patrol officers and dogs from Northumbria Police have been deployed around the North East in greater numbers than ever before all in a bid to clean up the region’s roads.

And they were on hand on Tuesday, September 16 when the driver of an uninsured black Ford Fiesta failed to stop when signalled at the Tyne Tunnel check point at 2.40pm.

The driver instead put his foot on the accelerator, sparking a pursuit.

The motorist eventually dumped the car near Wallsend Metro station and was spotted, along with his passenger, jumping a fence and fleeing along the Metro tracks.

Sergeant Ian Hankin, who is leading the campaign for Northumbria Police, said: “This campaign is the largest and most diverse roads traffic policing operation we have seen in recent years and emphasises our commitment to making our roads a safe place for everyone.

“One of the areas we vowed to pay extra attention to was of course the Tyne Tunnel. Our officers did an excellent job in detaining two teenagers who were so determined to evade us; they even jumped a fence in an attempt to flee along Metro tracks.

“Despite their gymnastic efforts, it wasn’t long before our officers caught up the fleeing duo. But they weren’t lonely in custody for in the first two days of the operation we arrested a further four people.”

A 19-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving with no insurance and under the influence of drink and drugs and on suspicion of a drug supply offence. He has been released under investigation.

Meanwhile his 17-year-old female passenger was arrested on suspicion of a drug supply offence. She has since been bailed.

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