Avon and Somerset Police are putting the brakes on drivers speeding through quiet streets during lockdown.

Chief constable Andy Marsh said many of those driving too fast have committed other offences and are making themselves more conspicuous and likely to get caught.

He also confirmed the force had paid into a £10million pot to ensure it has enough personal protective equipment (PPE) for the next 10 weeks – after concerns from one officer's mum.

Speaking on a weekly Facebook Live video, police and crime commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: "The majority of people are adhering to the guidelines and only travelling where essential. The roads are much quieter.

"However, there are a few people that are taking real advantage and speeding.

"There's causing real concern."

Mr Marsh said: "More than a week ago we recognised people might be driving too quickly because of the open roads they face. It's dangerous nevertheless.

"We have more patrols doing speed enforcement and more patrols in hotspots we think are dangerous.

"Since March 23 we've issued over 1,000 speed enforcement notices, so if people think it's OK to speed, it's not.

"Some of those speeding are up to other misdemeanors. Since the restriction on movement we've arrested 18 burglars. We continue to bear down on drug dealers.

"We're out there more because our demand has changed.

"If you're out speeding, you're going to draw attention to yourself – and the police are going to be catching up with you."

He urged drivers to take more care because there are more cyclists on the road than normal.

Ms Mountstevens said: "I don't underestimate how hard this lockdown is. We mustn't for one moment let up, because then we put all the hard work we've achieved in keeping the South West the safest area.

"There's light at the end of the tunnel. We can see hope. We must never be complacent. We absolutely have to stay at home to keep our NHS safe."

She said her office had heard a lot of concerns about the police having enough PPE, including one message from an officer's mum "desperate" for reassurance.

Mr Marsh replied: "This crisis has happened very quickly. In the early days we had to work creatively, sometimes with other partners and people who were being charitable, to get PPE.

"We've got through those weeks and are working with gold command. We're securing PPE.

"We have sufficient PPE for our officers and public-facing staff to go about their jobs that gives them and the public the best protection they can.

"We're taking a significant leading role in a South West procurement partnership.

"We've done our bit to underwrite £10million assurance for PPE for the next 10 weeks.

"I can understand why mums and family members are worried.

"We care about the people we work with. We want to keep them safe and do our best for the public, and have what we need to do that."

Stephen Lawrence Day

April 22 marks the day in 1993 when black British teenager Stephen Lawrence was murdered in an unprovoked racist attack.

Ms Mountstevens said: "His tragic story has made an amazing amount of difference. The police, courts, the whole criminal justice system have learned the lessons.

"It's important we reflect on his death and how far we've come. We've come a long way but we must never be complacent.

"We must never let such a tragedy happen again

"Through this coronavirus crisis we're seeing the strength of our communities. That's something we must also learn from the tragedy of Stephen."

Mr Marsh said: "Stephen Lawrence's murder and the inquiry that followed has created an indelible mark on the police service.

"Because of Stephen we deal with stop and search in a much more rigorous way. We take hate crime much more seriously.

"Because of Stephen we're moving towards a more representative workforce. We want to become one of the most representative and inclusive police forces in the world.

"We're recruiting hundreds of PCSOs and officers, even while in lockdown.

"We're refreshing the Stephen Lawrence story to all the new recruits so we can remember it."

Stalking Awareness Week

Despite the lockdown, stalking is still happening, with perpetrators moving online.

Mr Marsh said: "Stalking can happen through many mediums. We would urge those suffering to report it, in any way you feel appropriate to reach out to us.

"Please don't suffer in silence. We will keep you empowered about what happens next, and keep you safe.

"Our referrals are above normal. That does give me some encouragement that people are still getting into the Lighthouse safeguarding unit.

"There are over 1,000 referrals a week. However vulnerable you feel, however boxed in by someone making life unacceptably painful, we're here to help. Please report it to us."

Stalking can be reported on 101, 999 if it is an emergency, or online.

Ramadan

Ramadan begins tomorrow and will be observed by many Muslim officers. Mr Marsh said the long hours between dawn and dusk make it a difficult time of year to fast, but the force will make "reasonable adjustments" for its officers.

Fasting and praying is often done collectively but this year he praised "really responsible" communications advising how Muslims can do that without undermining the lockdown guidelines.