Police will use 'rapid, robust action' on 4x4 drivers ‘playing’ in Garstang ford

Wyre Police are warning the motorists after receiving reports concerning the ford on Wyre Lane, which crosses over the River Wyre.

Officers were handed a photo shared with the police and council showing an apparently broken down 4x4 vehicle in the river over recent days, inset.

Sgt Guy Hamlett said: “Reports have stated that 4x4 drivers have been using their vehicles to ‘play’ in the river, whilst their friends have used the footbridge to watch.”

He added: “The vast majority of people are continuing to follow the lockdown rules in order to save lives. We are really proud of our law-abiding Wyre residents and are massively grateful for this, in the face of personal hardships.

“However, the selfish minority of people that choose to deliberately flout and disregard the law can expect to have enforcement action taken against them very quickly, including being fined.

“This type of activity not only risks the drivers’ lives due to the inherent risks associated with driving through deep water, but also risks the lives of anybody that may have to respond to a (completely avoidable) emergency situation.

“Sadly, it also risks putting additional strain on our NHS colleagues, who are battling hard right now to save our loved ones.

Sgt Hamlett said officers will be patrolling the area and will take “rapid, robust action” if they identify people breaking the law.