DRIVERS caught using a Wimborne street as a ‘rat run’ and driving over the 20 mile per hour speed limit have been hit with fines following a clamp-down.

Officers from Wimborne & Colehill Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team targeted East Borough after long-running issues with drivers ignoring ‘access only’ signs to cut through the Stone Lane traffic.

The initiative, led by PC Ian Curtis and PCSO Matt Johnson, followed a week of action where drivers caught using the street as a cut-through were issued with a warning.

Vehicles ignoring the ‘no right turn’ were also stopped and warned, as well as those exceeding the speed limit.

The first two days of the operation saw officers issue two fixed penalty notices carrying a £120 fine and three points to offending drivers speeding.

Additionally, a total of 22 verbal warnings were given and one vehicle defect rectification notice was written up for an illegal tyre.

PC Curtis commented: “We are committed to improving the quality of life for our local residents by tackling the issues that affect their daily lives.

“This latest operation in East Borough demonstrates that commitment.

“During the operation a number of residents living on the street approached officers to thank them for the work they were doing to target the issue.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and we hope we have sent a clear message to drivers about the penalties they face.”