A CRACKDOWN has been launched to target drivers who flout the law and put lives at risk.

Police have targeted the stretch of Deane Road between College Way and the Tesco Express.

Officers have also been working on Operation Dice across the borough, which has been set up to tackle drivers who risk lives by driving dangerously and flouting speeding, seatbelt and mobile phone laws.

The Deane Road scheme was launched following growing concerns from the public about dangerous driving on that stretch of road.

In January, there were four serious crashes, one which claimed the life of motorcyclist Paul Couperthwaite. The 18-year-old was killed following a crash with a car at the junction with Blackshaw Lane.

The following day, just metres away, a man had to be cut free from his car after a crash between two vehicles.

On January 9, Amir Khan’s brother, Haroon Khan, was questioned by police after his car was involved in an accident which left a man needing hospital treatment.

A biker in his 20s was taken to hospital with a suspected broken arm after his bike and a car collided on January 10.

During the Deane Road operation, which took place between 2pm and 9pm Thursday to Sunday, eight vehicles were seized because drivers had no valid insurance or driving licence.

Three people were arrested and seven people were issued with a summons on suspicion of a range of traffic and drug offences.

Officers issued 145 fixedpenalty notices for a variety of motoring crimes, such as using a mobile phone while driving, contravening bus lane restrictions and driving without wearing a seat belt.

Two vehicles were also given prohibition notices for having excessively tinted glass.

Sgt Dave Tann, of the Bolton Central Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Our traffic officers tackle this type of crime all year round, but it is operations like this that highlight just how many people are breaking the law on roads in the area on a daily basis.

“The results show a lot of success in bringing to account those who flaunt motoring laws and I am pleased we have been able to make the roads safer for law abiding people who use them.

“Our aim is not only to get people to slow down and obey speed limits and traffic laws, but also to get uninsured, cloned, stolen or just downright dangerous vehicles off the road and disrupt those who are using the roads in the area for criminal purposes.”

Sabbir Motala, manager at A La Pizza in Deane Road, added: “It is a good thing police are doing this operation.

“I keep telling my customers not to park in front of the shop, but they do not listen and become aggressive. Because of that I have lost some trade, so it is a no-win situation.”