POLICE in Worle now have access to a marked police car equipped with automatic number plate recognition (ANPR).

Yesterday (Monday, May 6), police used the ANPR camera to identify a drug driver, who was found to be positive for suspected Cannabis.

Officers will be using the equipment on every shift going forward.

Speaking yesterday, a North Somerset Neighbourhood Policing spokesperson said: "We are pleased to share with the community that the Worle beat team now have access to a Marked Police car equipped with automatic number plate recognition (ANPR).

"Today, whilst on patrol on the Queensway, a vehicle activated the camera notifying officers that there was information the driver maybe drug driving.

"The vehicle was stopped, and the driver was drugs wiped at the roadside. After eight minutes we were able to confirm the driver was positive for suspected Cannabis following a non-evidential sample.

"The driver was transported to custody, and we now await the results of the evidential test from the lab.

"Intelligence report activated, vehicle stopped, driver arrested, roads safer.

"This kind of equipment is critical to us, it isn’t just used for enforcement of road traffic offences, such as no insurance and no tax, but also for other crime types. It will alert us to travelling criminals, wanted persons, missing persons, drug dealers. The list is almost endless.

"We are so thankful for the continued support of the community and law-abiding people in Worle, and we know you are paying attention to our updates.

"Today we have removed a potential hazard from the roads, this is part of our duty to keep you all safe. However, this stop was entirely generated by intelligence that you have reported to us. We can’t stress enough how vital your information is to us.

"If you have anything that you think might help us in targeting criminals that will make the roads and streets safer, please report it to us.

"We will be using the ANPR camera every shift we are on duty. This new tool will help us to fight crime. With your help we will make Worle a difficult place for criminals to operate in, and together, make it a safer, nicer place to live."