Three drivers facing court after insurance breaches and 135mph dash on A26

A BMW and Seat Leon seized by police

Police have seized two vehicles and reported three drivers for court after a series of road policing incidents yesterday, including one motorist clocked at more than 135mph on the A26 dual carriageway.

Officers from Road Policing Interceptors based in Sprucefield carried out the enforcement activity on Friday evening, 17 April, targeting uninsured driving and dangerous speeds.

Two uninsured drivers stopped and vehicles seized

During patrols in the Kilrea area, officers stopped a blue BMW after checks on police systems showed no valid insurance policy in place.

On speaking with the driver, officers established the individual was already serving two separate periods of disqualification in addition to driving without insurance.

The driver is now due to appear in court to answer the offences, and the BMW was seized at the roadside.

While waiting for recovery of that vehicle, officers stopped a second car — a black Seat Leon — in the same area after similar checks indicated no valid insurance.

In this case, the driver admitted having no insurance and confirmed they only held a provisional driving licence. Officers also noted that no L plates were displayed on the vehicle, despite the licensing status.

The driver will also be required to attend court, and the Seat Leon was seized.

Driver clocked at over 135mph on A26

Mitsubishi Evo which police clocked at travelling in excess of 135mph

Earlier in the evening, one of the police crews was overtaken by a red Mitsubishi Evo.

The vehicle’s speed was measured along the A26 Lisnevenagh Road, with officers recording speeds in excess of 135mph — almost double the permitted limit for the dual carriageway.

When challenged, the driver’s explanation to police was that they were “heading for Chinese takeaway”.

The driver will also face court proceedings and could be disqualified from driving.

Enforcement focus on uninsured and dangerous driving

The incidents form part of ongoing policing activity targeting uninsured drivers and dangerous behaviour on Northern Ireland’s roads.

All three drivers involved are now expected to appear before the courts to answer the offences identified during Friday night’s operation.

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At a glance

• Three drivers reported for court following police patrols in Kilrea on Friday, 17 April

• Blue BMW stopped with no insurance; driver also serving two disqualifications

• BMW seized by police

• Black Seat Leon stopped with no insurance; driver held only a provisional licence

• No L plates displayed on the Seat Leon

• Second vehicle also seized

• Red Mitsubishi Evo recorded at speeds exceeding 135mph on A26 Lisnevenagh Road

• Speed nearly double the permitted limit for the dual carriageway

• Driver told police they were “heading for Chinese takeaway”

• All drivers now due to appear in court, with potential disqualification in the speeding case