Motorists who regularly flout the law and put other people's lives in danger are being targeted by Cumbria Police.

A new warning system will be used by the force to stamp out poor driving on the roads.

Intelligence will be used in a new way to identify dangerous drivers across the county, and measures are being put in place to stop their dangerous behaviour.

Operation Dreadnought has three levels of warning and people who fall into these groups will be targeted by the police.

Inspector Steve Minnikin, of Cumbria Police’s Mobile Support Group, said: "As part of the preparation for Operation Dreadnought, we have been working force-wide, across departments to identify dangerous drivers who are at the most risk of being involved in a serious or fatal collision.

“By identifying and targeting these dangerous drivers we can help those who show a desire to do so to change their on-road behaviour for the better. Other drivers who cannot see the error of their ways and the risk they pose to themselves and others will be prosecuted for offences and brought before the courts.”

Dangerous drivers will be classified as Standard, Medium or High risk.

New drivers who show concerning behaviour will get a visit from the police with the aim to stamp out the behaviour before it becomes high risk.

The higher risk drivers include those who persistently drive while under the influence of drink or drugs, and those who use their vehicles for criminality, including attempting to evade police officers.

Insp Minnikin continued: “Our officers will be taking a proactive approach to these issues, including increased evidence-gathering through numerous methods, roadside drugs and alcohol testing.

“Every road user should be able to feel safe throughout the county. By taking a targeted, intelligence-led approach, I am confident Operation Dreadnought will result in improved road safety throughout Cumbria.”

Peter McCall, Cumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Too many people are killed and injured on our roads and anti-social driving, of one sort or another, whether speeding, driving recklessly, racing around car parks, use of mobile phones etc are the most common offences which the public raise to me.

“Bad driving behaviour really worries people because we all use the roads, and anti-social drivers make us all vulnerable to their irresponsible and selfish behaviour. That is why I very strongly support Operation Dreadnought, this is proactive policing to target those who blight our towns and rural areas to make our roads dangerous.

“Insp Minnikin and his team have my full support and I expect, firm education for low-risk drivers, and robust action to be taken against offenders who just don’t get the message and think they are above the law.”