THE police effort to prevent horse and trap racing on the A33 was a success – in more ways than one.

Officers were out in force on Saturday June 19 to stop an unauthorised event that was planned for the weekend.

Not only did the police presence deter any racing, but 11 motorists were dealt with.

One motorist was dealt with for drugs offences; three were dealt with for drink driving; one for driving whilst unfit through drink/drugs; a wanted man was arrested for failing to appear at court; and five vehicles were seized for having no insurance.

Donna Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “A huge thank you and well done must be attributed to Hampshire Constabulary for the successful operation at the weekend on the A33. This is a key ‘A’ road in the centre of Hampshire and the illegal activities last month from the GRT community which saw them close the road for pony trap racing and illegal gambling, affected thousands of people who live in the area.

"A follow up event was planned for this weekend, and as a consequence, Hampshire Constabulary took appropriate and necessary measures to keep the road open and the public safe. Thank you to all involved including neighbouring forces who sent mutual aid. I continue to support their work in preventing any similar future events.”

Winchester MP Steve Brine, who visited the police on site on Saturday, said: “I wanted to thank Hampshire Police, and colleagues from Sussex who came to help, for a visible and consistent presence - and patrol - this weekend to prevent a repeat of any illegal pony and trap racing.

"To be clear, the police are in this for the long haul and this is being watched like hawks. We promised to grip this and greatly helped by the leadership of new PCC Donna Jones we have done just that."

Hampshire Constabulary has thanked the local community for understanding the decision to allocate significant resources to the A33 and surrounding roads.

Chief Superintendent Paul Bartolomeo said: “We are grateful to the community for their support, as well as our partners who helped in the careful management of this operation.

“Two sulky traps were seized by police on Sunday and three individuals were subject to Section 35 dispersal orders, however no racing or associated criminality has taken place.

"We’re pleased the operation has been carried out without any disruption to the road network in Hampshire, which is the best possible outcome for the local community.

“However, please be reassured that this does not mean that we are in any way being complacent.

“This situation will be monitored longer term, and we will continue to gather intelligence and work with the community moving forward. This is to ensure that we can prevent any potential future disruption to the road network in Hampshire, and robustly deal with any identified offences.”

If you have any concerns or information regarding criminal activity on the roads, contact police on 101 or on 999 if it is an emergency.