Almost 500 traffic tickets were handed out during January as the Bermuda Police Service continued to crack down on offenders through Operation Vega.

A police spokesman said 490 moving violation tickets were issued over the course of the month — 145 fewer than in December.

More than half of those tickets, 254, were issued for speeding, with suspects charged with speeds ranging from 57km/h to 104km/h — almost 65mph

The number of motorist advisory notices, or cautions, rose from 66 to 73 month to month.

Chief Inspector Robert Cardwell, of the Tactical Support Unit, said that while the number of traffic infractions was lower in January compared with December, it was still high.

“The Bermuda Police Service remains committed to achieving the objectives set out under Operation Vega — reduce collisions and harm on the roads and saving lives,” he said.

“However, buy-in from the community is imperative to the success of this ongoing initiative.”

Mr Cardwell also noted that 14 people were arrested and charged with driving while impaired last month, compared with 12 during the same period last year.

“For all of 2022, a total of 223 people were arrested for impaired driving,” he said. “Motorists and other road users must understand they are responsible for their actions and behaviour when operating a vehicle.

“Our intention is not to be punitive, but we will continue our enforcement efforts through a combination of Operation Vega and other traffic-abatement measures.”

A total of 8,755 moving violation tickets have been reported since the implementation of Operation Vega on July 6, 2021.