Thousands convicted by West Midlands Police prosecution team for reckless and illegal driving

The specialist Police-Led Prosecutions Team (PLPT) has the legal powers to authorise charges, and present evidence at court, without referral to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) first.

The unit has continued to ensure law-breakers don’t escape punishment during the pandemic.

The seven-strong squad successfully prosecuted just more than 8,250 people between May and October using evidence from officers, dash-cam footage or witnesses. It includes the recent prosecution of England International footballer Jack Grealish for driving without due care and attention.

The team aims to ensure those who commit driving offences, ranging from careless driving to not wearing a seatbelt, are caught and punished. It has led to sentences ranging from driving bans of up to seven years, hefty fines and unpaid community work requirements.

Overall, they have achieved a successful monthly conviction rate of between 89 and 95 per cent since the new financial year.

Tanya Johnson, who heads up the PLPT, said: "There has been no let up in our work, even with the Covid-19 pandemic and the various restrictions in place.

"Whilst it’s the CPS who prosecute fatal collisions we also look to ensure others who put safety at risk, and whose actions could lead to a serious collision, are punished.

"Laws are in place for a reason, and should be followed. We’re enforcing them to protect people now and in the future.

"We can speed up the justice process rather than just keep referring matters to the CPS. So there are lots of benefits to having our own legally trained - and legally recognised by Government - police led prosecution team.

"We were first introduced in 2013 and overseen tens of thousands of cases in that time. The only losers are offenders who are punished for their illegal behaviour."