Durham Police says road safety is a priority. So why was I told it was “force policy” not to investigate alleged driving offences?

Drivers in the East have recorded the highest regional percentage for ignoring roadwork closures, putting local highway workers at risk...

A 50-year-old man has been charged with six counts of causing death by dangerous driving more than two years after a fatal collision in South Yorkshire. Christopher Cockell, from Woolley Grange, is accused in connection with the crash, which happened on the A61 near Mapplewell, Barnsley, in July 2024. The collision resulted in the deaths of six people, including four members of the same family and a married couple who were travelling on a motorbike. The family members who died were Shane Roller, 33, his partner Shannen Morgan, 30, and their daughters Rubie and Lillie Morgan-Roller, aged nine and four. The crash also left another daughter, who was not travelling in the family's Ford Focus at the time, without her parents. The other victims were Christopher Barton, 56, and his wife Janine Barton, 48, who were riding a BMW S100 XR motorbike. West Yorkshire Police confirmed that Cockell faces six charges relating to the deaths. He is due to appear at Leeds Magistrates' Court on 28 October. The charges concern causing death by dangerous driving, and the allegations have yet to be tested in court. The case follows a lengthy period between the July 2024 collision and the announcement of the charges in September 2026. Police have identified the victims and their family connections as part of the ongoing reporting of the case. The original Sky News report was published as a breaking-news article and stated that further details would be released as they became available. The available report therefore provides the basic circumstances of the collision, the identities of those who died, the charges against the accused man and the date of his forthcoming court appearance, but does not provide a detailed account of how the collision occurred or the evidence supporting the charges.

Raheem Sterling, the 31-year-old footballer, has admitted guilt at Basingstoke Magistrates Court for dangerous driving and possession of a class C drug. The incident occurred on 28 May when Sterling was involved in a single-car collision while driving his Lamborghini Urus on the M3 motorway. Bodycam footage, recently released, depicts the vehicle swerving across multiple lanes prior to the collision. During the incident, Sterling was seated in the passenger seat with nitrous oxide canisters on his lap and initially refused to identify the driver. Following his court appearance, Sterling was granted unconditional bail and received an interim driving disqualification. The court case highlights the serious nature of the offences, with the dangerous driving charge stemming from the erratic lane changes observed on the M3. The possession of nitrous oxide, a class C controlled substance, further compounds the legal consequences. Sterling's guilty plea marks a significant development in the case, which has drawn considerable public attention due to his high-profile status as a professional athlete. The incident underscores the importance of road safety and the legal repercussions of substance use while operating a vehicle. Authorities have emphasized the need for responsible driving practices, particularly among public figures who set examples for their fans. The case serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with both reckless driving and the misuse of controlled substances. Sterling's legal team has not yet commented on the matter, but the court's decision reflects the gravity of the charges brought against him. The release of the bodycam footage has provided additional context to the events leading up to the collision, offering a clearer picture of the circumstances surrounding the incident. This case is being closely monitored by legal experts and the public alike, as it sets a precedent for how similar cases involving celebrities are handled in the justice system. The outcome of this case may influence future legal proceedings for high-profile individuals involved in similar incidents.

Former England and Premier League footballer Raheem Sterling has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, possession of nitrous oxide for wrongful inhalation and failing to provide a specimen following a single-vehicle crash in Hampshire. The incident happened at around 8.45am on 28 May, when Sterling was driving a £270,000 Lamborghini and eventually crashed into a metal gate near the Minley interchange after travelling on the M25 and M3. Prosecutors told the court that Sterling's driving had been highly erratic, with motorists reporting that he repeatedly changed lanes, moved between the inside and outside lanes and came close to the central reservation. One witness said she saw the driver holding a large balloon in front of his face and was concerned that he could not see the road properly. Another motorist reported seeing the driver inhaling from a white balloon while driving. Police found six canisters of nitrous oxide in the Lamborghini when Sterling was arrested. Bodycam footage reportedly showed canisters and a deflated balloon on his lap, which he then moved behind his seat when an officer opened the car door. Prosecutors also said Sterling appeared lethargic and impaired when assessed by police and struggled with basic coordination tests. He later declined to provide a blood sample and did not answer police questions. Sterling's barrister, Jason Bartfeld KC, accepted that the case involved prolonged dangerous driving and significant impairment, but argued that the effects of nitrous oxide were short-lived and that Sterling had taken voluntary steps to address his difficulties. Sterling subsequently said that he had been awake all night, was tired and confused, and had not fully understood the circumstances surrounding the request for a blood sample. The court adjourned the case until November for pre-sentencing reports. Sterling faces a maximum possible sentence of two years' imprisonment.

A tragic incident involving two police officers killed in a head-on collision on the A66 in Teesside has sparked government action against social media platforms promoting dangerous driving. Pc Matthew Blades and Pc Tom Clough died when their vehicle was struck by a Volkswagen Passat traveling the wrong way. Five young men in the Passat, including one involved in filming dangerous driving for TikTok, were also killed. The UK government condemned the glorification of risky behavior on social media, with Number 10 calling it 'utterly disgraceful.' Officials have urged TikTok to remove content celebrating such activities, citing legal obligations under the Online Safety Act. Defence minister Luke Pollard highlighted the financial incentives for creators to produce sensational content and emphasized the need for platforms to self-regulate. Ofcom is investigating TikTok's compliance with child safety standards, while Cleveland police acknowledged the role of social media but urged focus on road safety. The incident has prompted calls for stricter measures to prevent similar tragedies, with families of the victims receiving donations to support their bereavement.

An 18-year-old man has been charged with dangerous driving after a high-speed pursuit involving a silver Ford Falcon in Gungahlin on August 16, 2026. Police captured footage of the unregistered vehicle, which was allegedly driven at speed, weaving through traffic, and performing burnouts at roundabouts. Officers deployed tyre deflation devices and directed the driver to stop, but the driver allegedly failed to comply, leading to a chase through green space. The driver and two passengers fled on foot before being apprehended. The man faces charges including dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, using an unregistered and uninsured vehicle, and trespassing. Authorities are urging witnesses to contact Crime Stoppers with reference number 8473458. The incident highlights the risks of reckless driving and the consequences faced by those who ignore police instructions. Police emphasized the importance of public safety and the need for community cooperation in such cases.

A woman in her 40s has been taken into custody following a dangerous incident at the Wonderland Fun Fest carnival in Logan, Queensland. Emergency crews were called to Shailer Park around 7:30pm on Saturday after multiple reports of a silver BMW driving through the event area. Attendees described how people had to jump out of the way as the vehicle approached attractions dangerously close. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, with organizers confirming that everyone remained safe. The carnival-goers managed to stop the car and hold the driver until police arrived. Organizers issued a statement acknowledging the incident and expressing relief that no one was harmed. They noted additional safety measures have been implemented for the event's continuation on Sunday night. Police are investigating the circumstances of the unauthorized vehicle entry, emphasizing the importance of public safety during such events.

Cornwall, Ontario police have charged a man following multiple reports of dangerous e-bike driving in the city. The incident highlights growing concerns about the safety of electric bicycles on public roads. According to the article, the 19-year-old suspect was allegedly involved in reckless behavior that posed risks to pedestrians and other vehicles. Police emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws to address this emerging issue. The case has sparked discussions about the regulation of e-bikes, including speed limits and mandatory safety equipment. Authorities are urging cyclists to adhere to road rules and report any unsafe practices. This incident reflects broader challenges in urban areas where e-bike usage is increasing, requiring balanced approaches to ensure public safety without stifling innovation. The police department has also launched a public awareness campaign to educate riders on responsible behavior. This development underscores the importance of community collaboration in addressing transportation safety concerns.

Michael Uncles, 59, nearly four times the drink-drive limit, crashed into a police van and seriously injured two officers in Cardiff.