23 arrests and more than 200 traffic offences in Yoxford police operation

Thursday, 6 August 2026 10:25

23 people were arrested and more than 200 traffic offences were detected during a week-long police operation on the A12 at Yoxford.

The multi-agency operation targeted criminal activity and dangerous driving during a period of increased traffic as people travelled to the Latitude Festival.

Officers stopped vehicles identified through intelligence, as well as motorists suspected of committing road safety offences, including drink or drug driving, using a mobile phone, speeding and not wearing a seatbelt.

Of the 23 arrests, 17 were on suspicion of drug-driving, one was on suspicion of drink-driving after allegedly providing a roadside breath test of almost three times the legal limit, two were for suspected possession of cannabis, one for suspected possession of cocaine and two for suspected immigration offences.

Police also issued 205 Traffic Offence Reports, including 46 for vehicles without an MOT, 38 for illegal window tints, 26 overweight vehicle offences, 19 for using a mobile phone while driving and 18 for not wearing a seatbelt.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency also took part in the operation, stopping 51 vehicles. Twenty-three were clamped, two were seized and more than £10,000 in fines were issued.

Suffolk Police say the operation was designed to disrupt criminal activity while improving road safety. Sergeant Julian Ditcham described the number of suspected drug-drivers detected as "particularly shocking" and urged motorists to ensure both they and their vehicles are fit for the road.

Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore said the results highlighted the importance of proactive roads policing to help keep Suffolk's roads safe.